Seven school districts in the Inter-Valley Conference’s North Division have announced plans to leave the league and form a new athletic conference beginning with the 2028-29 school year, marking another significant shift in the region’s high school sports landscape.
In a joint media release, Brown Local Schools, Conotton Valley Union Local Schools, East Guernsey Local Schools, Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools, Osnaburg Local Schools, Strasburg-Franklin Local Schools and Tuscarawas Central Catholic said they have mutually agreed to withdraw from the Inter-Valley Conference following the conclusion of the 2027-28 academic year.
School representatives said the move came after “thoughtful discussion and careful consideration” and was driven by a shared vision for the long-term future of their athletic programs and student-athletes.
The announcement comes months after three other IVC member schools — Sandy Valley, Claymont and Tusky Valley — revealed plans to leave the conference to join the newly formed Northeast Senate League beginning in the 2028-29 school year. That conference is expected to include Carrollton, Minerva, Marlington, Fairless and Tuslaw.
With the latest departures, the Inter-Valley Conference faces a dramatic restructuring, with 10 member schools now slated to exit by the end of the 2027-28 school year.
In the joint statement, the seven schools said they remain committed to fulfilling their obligations to the IVC until their departure.
“We will continue to compete with integrity, support one another, and represent our communities with pride until the end of the 2027-2028 school year,” the release stated.
Officials said the decision was centered on improving the overall experience for student-athletes, including maintaining competitive balance, reducing travel demands and creating stronger opportunities for participating schools.
The schools also expressed appreciation for their history within the conference.
“We are incredibly grateful for the relationships, rivalries, and traditions built within the Inter-Valley Conference,” the statement said. “The experiences shared with fellow member schools have had a lasting impact on our student-athletes, coaches, and communities.”
Details about the new league, including a name, membership structure and opportunities for additional schools to join, are expected to be announced at a later date.
