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Boosters urge reinstatement of study hall after eligibility problems; board weighs PIAA policy and administrative steps
Summary
A booster group raised concerns that online athletic paperwork and oversight contributed to recent PIAA eligibility problems; the board discussed reinstating study hall, improving coach-administration communication and possibly asking the PIAA to reconsider how excused absences are counted.
A parent representative told the board that paperwork and academic monitoring failures contributed to recent athletic-eligibility problems, prompting calls from several board members to consider reinstating study hall and to review district procedures.
Sonja Thompson, secretary of the Erie High Football Boosters, said the district used a new online form for athletic participation that many parents found difficult to complete and that paperwork issues affected players' eligibility. "How in the world did a coach from another school get our students' grades?" Thompson asked, saying that the incident was "unacceptable" and that someone should be held accountable. She also criticized the athletic director's handling of the registration system and said the booster organization is willing to help parents complete forms.
Board members and administrators responded with a range of proposals. Mr. Rockman said Coach Henderson had reached out to district staff to explore reinstating study hall but noted contractual obligations for teachers who might supervise it. Commissioner Sharif and others urged the district to consider drafting a letter to the PIAA asking it to review eligibility rules that count absences (including excused medical leave) toward a 20-day threshold, saying the policy disproportionately affects urban districts.
Some board members emphasized local accountability for student attendance and suggested the new Student Leadership Program or the board policy committee could survey students and coaches to design a workable approach. Mr. Rockman noted that the district has representation on D10 and that work with regional PIAA committees might be a path for advocacy.
No formal action or vote was taken; the administration said it would pursue follow-up discussions with coaches, the athletic director and booster representatives to seek common ground and to explore study-hall logistics.
