Central Lee gets invite to Southeast Conference

DONNELLSON – The Southeast Conference has officially invited Central Lee Community School District to join the conference.
According to the letter received by the Central Lee Activities Director Tyler Bryant Tuesday evening, the decision to allow the Hawks into the conference was unanimous.
“We are pleased to formally invite Central Lee School District to join the Southeast Conference beginning with the 2028–2029 school year for high school athletics and 2027-28 for middle school,” the letter indicated.
“Our member schools have reviewed your request and are unanimously supportive of Central Lee becoming a part of the Southeast Conference. We firmly believe your addition will strengthen our competitive balance, enhance the experience for our student-athletes, and foster positive relationships between our communities.”
The letter also indicated the conference was open to fast-tracking the membership should it be feasible and beneficial to all parties.
“Additionally, our conference is open to discussing the possibility of "fast-tracking" this membership should it be feasible and mutually beneficial for all parties involved. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with your administration and the appropriate governing bodies to explore this option and determine the necessary next steps.
Bryant said the offer to "fast track" was interesting, but it could be difficult with a district committee consideration as well as making scheduling difficult for the next few years.
The Southeast Conference currently includes the school districts of Burlington, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, and Washington. Oskaloosa is set to join the conference in the 2028-29 school year, growing the conference to eight schools that year.
Former Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier began discussing the option of leaving the Southeast Iowa Super Conference when Bryant took over the AD’s position two years ago. Bryant then formally presented the position to the CLCSD Board of Directors in May.
The district officialy requested entry into the conference in June of this year.