IHSA Board of Directors to implement one-year enrollment classification cycle

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois High School Association Board of Directors took the first step in addressing concerns over enrollment classifications that came to the forefront following the state football championships.

During its monthly meeting Monday, the board decided to implement a one-year enrollment classification cycle beginning with the 2025-26 school year. The IHSA will use enrollments collected by the Illinois State Board of Education in September 2024 to determine each school’s classification.

Previously, the IHSA used a two-year cycle to determine classifications. The 1.65 enrollment multiplier for non-boundaried schools will continue to be used based on a school’s success in each sport.

“Throughout the fall, administrators from numerous member high schools across the state have engaged with the board. We appreciate all communication, respect each point of view that has been offered, and will consider all ideas that have been provided,” the board put in a press release.

Concerns over classifications came to a head following the state football championships as seven of the eight titles were won by private schools, including Belleville Althoff winning the Class 1A championship with a 57-14 victory over Lena-Winslow.

The seven private schools to win titles outscored their opponents 312-103.

“The passion evoked by constituents in their communications to the Board are tangible proof that high school sports and activities remain a fabric of our high school communities, and that the work of the IHSA is as important today as it was in 1900. We remain committed to working with the IHSA member high schools to provide the best experience we can for all who compete in IHSA sports and activities,” the board wrote.

The board said it will continue to examine the classification issues during 2025.

“It is our hope that we can achieve consensus to both adjust Board Policy prior to the 2025-26 school year, and bring forth a by-law proposal or proposals to the membership during the 2025-26 legislative process,” the board wrote.