OSAA to focus on six-classification realignment

THE GORGE — An Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) committee decided to continue the state’s six classification league alignment for its high schools after hearing testimony at its Oct. 27 meeting.

The committee is deciding what leagues the state’s high schools will be competing in beginning in fall 2026. The OSAA’s Classification and Districting Committee will recommend to the executive board the league alignments and membership for the 2026-30, four-year time block.

The OSAA had touted two main options: a six-classification alignment; and one that has five enrollment classifications. The committee decided to focus on the six class system, which has been in place in some variation since 2006.

The latest six-classification proposal has Hood River Valley in the 36-school, 5A enrollment division, competing in the 5A East Metro Conference. Other members of that conference would be Centennial, La Salle Prep, Milwaukie, Parkrose, Putnam, and Sandy in all sports except football. The OSAA has a separate committee which decides football alignments.

The Dalles would be in the 4A Tri-Valley Conference along with Estacada, Gladstone, Madras, Molalla, and North Marion. There are 37 proposed Class 4A schools.