Four petitions arose after 3 of the 8 schools in the current Big Bend Conference sought and gained membership into the Tri-Rivers Conference, beginning in the 2003-2004 school year (Cascade, Onticello & Anamosa). Mediation took place on October 2, 2001, but failed to bring about a resolution. Appeals were filed by the remaining five schools left in the Big Bend Conference.

The Big East Conference members objected to Camanche's membership based on the travel distance for some teams and that Camanche was larger than any of the school already in the conference; 2 students larger than the next school. During the mediation, the Big East representatives stated that if required, they "could accommodate Camanche either by having a 14-member conference or by dividing the conference into a 2 division conference.

Western Dubuque, Central of DeWitt, Dyersville Beckman High School and Maquoketa all applied, but were denied, by the WAMAC Conference based on 1)enrollment; travel distance; traditional rivalries; loss of academic time; and comparability of athletic programs.

The WAMAC Conference submitted 2 alternatives to Petitioners' requests. The formation of a seven-team Big Bend Conference (requiring Anamosa, Cascade and Monticello to return); or keep the Big Bend as a five-team conference.

The evidence presented at the hearing, as well as the documents presented for consideration by the Mediation Team, supported the Mediation Team's recommendation. "In absence of convincing proof that the mediation team failed to consider one or more of the factors laid out in the rules, or was otherwise, biased, prejudiced, or predisposed, the mediation team's recommendation will be implemented." In re Iowa Lakes, 12 D.o.E. App. Dec. 340, 345(1995).

It is the decision of the administrative law judge and the Director [of the Department of Education] that the recommendation of the Mediation Team [approve assignment of Camanche to the Big East Conference and Maquoketa, Central of DeWitt, Dyersville Beckman and Western Dubuque to WAMAC) be implemented. These conference realignments are binding on Petitioners, on all members of the Big East, and all members of the WAMAC for a 4-year period.