McKeesport School Board discusses fallout from loss of Dick's Sporting Goods partnership

The McKeesport Area School District is facing significant challenges following the abrupt termination of its partnership with Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation, a collaboration that has provided essential resources to students and families over the past four years. During a heated school board meeting on June 4, 2025, community members and board members expressed their concerns about the impact of this decision on local students, particularly regarding access to food, clothing, and educational support.

Kim Robinson, a long-time employee at the McKeesport Family Center, emphasized the positive contributions made by Dick's Sporting Goods, highlighting how the partnership has empowered families and provided critical resources. She urged the board to reconsider their approach and work collaboratively with the foundation, stating, "The children need that... Let's work together."

The board's discussions revealed a complex backdrop of miscommunication and unmet expectations. Superintendent McFann recounted efforts to engage with Dick's Sporting Goods, noting that the foundation had decided to dissolve the partnership due to perceived conflicts between public education and private corporate involvement. This decision has left the district scrambling to address the loss of vital services that many students rely on.

Board members expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Dick's Sporting Goods, with some stating that they were unaware of the foundation's intentions until it was too late. The board's president clarified that no one on the board wished for the partnership to end, emphasizing their commitment to the students' welfare.

Community members, including students, voiced their distress over the potential loss of services. Seventh-grader Zaida Carr passionately articulated the needs of her peers, stating, "You are cutting off basic needs from kids... please try to bring back Dick's because we need this."

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the board is now focused on finding solutions to retain the services previously provided by Dick's Sporting Goods. They are exploring alternative ways to support students and ensure that essential programs continue, even as they navigate the fallout from this partnership dissolution.

The board's commitment to prioritizing education and student welfare remains steadfast, but the path forward will require effective communication and collaboration with community stakeholders to fill the gaps left by the loss of Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for a united front to ensure that the needs of McKeesport's students are met in the face of these challenges.