(5-15-26) 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.

The announcement comes 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. 

The IVC will be left with a much smaller group, primarily from the former South Division :

• Garaway

• Hiland

• Indian Valley

• Ridgewood

The conference (formed in 1968) expanded to a North-South divisional format around 2017 with ~14 schools. It has a long history of stability, with many charter or long-term members, but recent realignment trends in Ohio high school sports (driven by competitive balance, travel, enrollment, and football scheduling) have hit it hard.

The IVC had been seeking new members earlier in 2026 after the initial three departures, but the latest wave of exits makes the future uncertain—potentially leading to further realignment, mergers, or a much smaller league. Schools have committed to honoring obligations through 2027-28.

Why a mass departure from a conference?

In this case (most likely) the schools leaving the conference were not willing to include the schools were left out to be a part of the new conference. This allows the seven members to move forward right away.

Many circumstances have led to numerous changes taking place in numerous Ohio athletic conferences.