The Niobrara Valley Conference may expand its membership.

Ainsworth approached NVC schools, sending a formal request to join. Summerland’s board of education discussed the application during its Sept. 14 meeting.

Superintendent Dale Martin said 75% of member schools would need to cast an affirmative vote for the measure to be approved.

In the request, Ainsworth superintendent Dale Hafer and co-activities directors Jared Hansmeyer and Scott Steinhauser, wrote that while the school has enjoyed being part of the Southwest Conference, dwindling enrollment numbers have them seeking other optio...