Community Turn Outs for Coaches Info Meeting

NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – More than a hundred students, parents, and community members crowded into the cafeteria at Redbank High School last night, March 28th, to share concerns about the School Board’s policy of making each extra-curricular activity and sports pay a percentage of their operating costs.  Football head coach, Ed Wasilowski opened the meeting which had been organized organically over Facebook yesterday afternoon.

Coach Wasilowski explained that his original intent was to reach out to his football players’ families regarding the district’s plan to make sports and activities pay 10% of their operating costs.  Wasilowski explained that after being dead set against the cost sharing from the start, he felt that he needed to hear from the community.

Many members of the community asked questions and gave their opinions regarding the Board’s policy of making activities cover part of their expenses.  Many of the people in the group were not aware that gate receipts and pay-to-play fees were not returned to the sports, but rather, go to the District’s general fund.  Other concerns about the operation of extra curricular activities were also aired.

Opinions seemed to divide into two groups.  One group thinks that the community should not try to raise the funds; “to call their bluff” and the other group seemed to think that the students and the community would be better served with extra curricular activities continuing to be part of the school program.

Wrapping up the meeting, Coach Wasilowski asked everyone in attendance to contact their representative on the Board and to respectfully share their opinion and concerns.

ABOUT:
Redbank Valley School District provides education services for the 165 square mile area of New Bethlehem and Hawthorn boroughs, and the townships of Mahoning, Madison, Porter, and Redbank of both Clarion and Armstrong counties.

MEETINGS:
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district