Board approves junior-high intramural soccer consensus, hears updates on gym designs and student programs including MMA pilot and athletic physicals

The Scranton School District board on July 28 gave administration consensus to begin a six-week, coed intramural soccer program for grades 6–8 across three intermediate schools, and discussed several athletics-related items including feasibility designs for a potential West Grama High gym, a mixed martial-arts pilot program and changes to athletic physicals.

Consensus for soccer program

Athletics staff asked the board for consensus to start a six-week intramural soccer program (grades 6–8, coed) across three middle schools. The estimated one‑time cost was $15,000 for staffing, T‑shirts, equipment and referees; estimated participation was about 150 students across the three schools. The board gave consensus that night; administrators said they would meet with athletic directors and formally ratify the program at the Sept. 2 meeting.

West gym feasibility designs

Superintendent Erin Keating recommended engaging one or both firms that had presented feasibility solutions for a possible West Grama High School gymnasium. Keating said it would cost the district $4,000 total to have four design options produced (two firms × two sites). She recommended the district commission the designs so cost estimates and creative options could be compared before deciding whether capital resources and enrollment trends would allow construction now or require deferral.

Mixed martial arts pilot and after-school programming

Administrators reported that a mixed martial arts program piloted at Northeast Intermediate last year — modeled on Philadelphia’s “Guns to Gloves” approach and sponsored in partnership with the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s office, State Police and instructor Jimmy Simmerald — was successful and is expanding to two additional intermediate schools this year. DA Gallagher provided funding to continue the pilot through the end of the calendar year and staff are seeking additional funding for sustainability after January 1. Board members suggested public recognition and certificates to highlight the program’s community impact.

Athletic physicals and Right Center partnership

Administrators described a change in how athletic physicals will be billed: many insurers will cover a physical performed after May 1 for the full next school year; the district will distribute a flyer to parents explaining the PIAA physical timing. For students who face a bill they cannot pay, the district announced it will provide assistance for this year; administrators said a long-term partnership with the Right Center (a community health partner) is a goal for uninsured and underinsured students.

Nut graf: The athletics and student-activity items combined small, low-cost, near-term programming (intramural soccer, lighting and crowd-welcoming ideas for the West gym) with a recommendation to invest a modest design fee to determine whether a larger capital project is feasible; the MMA pilot and physicals changes are intended to expand supports and lower barriers to participation.

Ending: Administrators will return with formal cost breakdowns and staff recommendations; intramural soccer was to be launched pending Sept. 2 ratification and the gym design work was to be included in future operations materials.