VALENTINE, Neb. - The Valentine School Board has voted to join a new conference. The board received an invitation to join the South Platte Valley Association (SPVA) Conference, which includes schools such as Chase County, Hershey and Sutherland.

“They offer everything the Southwest Conference offers our kids as far as activities,” said High School Principal Andy Cronin.

Superintendent Mike Halley said travel would be around the same for both conferences, with the Southwest Conference averaging 180 and SPVA 190. Activities Director Blake Beebout said the new conference would be closer to Valentine’s size range.

As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, Mitchell High School also voted to join the conference earlier this year. With Valentine joining SPVA, the conference will grow to nine schools.

Valentine will make the switch starting in the 2025-26 school year.