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Public commenters highlight Daughters of the American Revolution scholarships and Solon football safety concerns
Summary
During public comment at the Sept. 15 Board of Education meeting, a DAR regent promoted scholarship and classroom grant opportunities; a Solon football coach urged the board to address safety, culture and transparency in the football program after injuries and poor records.
Two public commenters spoke during the first public-comment period at the Solon City Board of Education meeting on Sept. 15.
Karen Precheri, regent of the David Hudson chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, told the board about scholarship and classroom grant opportunities available to students and teachers. "We offer scholarships in history, economics, law, political science, medicine, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science, and English," Precheri said, and she noted application deadlines: the DAR portal opens Nov. 15 and closes Jan. 15. She described chapter-level awards (up to $500) and state-level programs including the Wings of Eagles $1,000 scholarship and twice-yearly classroom grants of $500.
Coach Evan Diver, identifying himself as a parent and coach at 6254 Liberty Road in Solon, urged the board to examine the football program’s culture, safety and accountability. "I believe there's a toxic culture that is brewing here, and it's hurting all the athletes," Diver said. He described team records—JV 2–17 and varsity 4–18 in the period since coaching transitions—and raised concerns about a recent injury in which a player was knocked unconscious. He said he had contacted the athletic director and that an improvement plan exists but expressed frustration about limited transparency for parents.
Resident Neil DeCarlo asked whether questions about asbestos at Roxbury would be addressed in public comment; the chair replied that several agenda items covered the issue and offered a follow-up with the communications director.
Why it matters: The DAR remarks notified families and staff about scholarship and classroom grant deadlines that require early applications; the coach’s remarks ask the board to consider oversight and communication for student safety in athletics.
What the board and staff said: Board members acknowledged the public comments and directed the speaker to follow up with appropriate staff as needed. The superintendent and athletic director were noted as points of contact for program concerns; the superintendent said the athletic director had an improvement plan in place when Diver reached out.
Ending: The board offered a later opportunity for public comment and invited commenters to provide contact information to district staff for follow-up.
