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Brooklyn City cites renovated gym, staff outreach for jump in student athletic participation
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Ted Killeur and athletic director Mark Zafka said on the Hurricane Watch podcast that recent facility renovations and expanded outreach have helped increase student participation across sports; the district announced a gym opening doubleheader and a dedication ceremony.
Brooklyn City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ted Killeur said the district’s renovated athletic facilities and active staff engagement are driving higher student participation, and the district plans an opening-night doubleheader and dedication for the updated main gym.
"Our facilities are gonna be second to none in this area," Athletic Director Mark Zafka said, describing the renovated stadium and main gym as reasons for community pride and renewed attendance. Zafka credited visible staff, outreach in hallways and new sport offerings for lifting participation after COVID-era declines.
The superintendent hosted the district’s "Hurricane Watch" podcast with athletic staff members Melanie Vukmeier and Fran Meeks. Vukmeier, the athletic secretary, described the behind-the-scenes work that supports events — arranging ticket takers, rosters and officials and preparing equipment — and credited a dependable staff for handling extra games. "The gym is amazing," she said, adding that students are excited to play in the updated space.
Fran Meeks, a longtime community member who the hosts referred to as "Mama Meeks," described her volunteer role supporting students. "I am a mom before I am your teacher," Meeks said, stressing her personal commitment to students who need extra support.
Killeur and Zafka said the district has seen participation increase across fall, winter and spring seasons since Zafka’s arrival. Zafka said the department added some new sports — including a renewed hockey effort this year — and used targeted outreach to encourage students who participate in one activity to try another. "Be visible. Be out there," Zafka said, describing staff presence at lunches, halls and events as central to recruiting and retention.
The podcast also outlined renovations funded by the district levy passed last year. Hosts encouraged alumni and community members to attend opening events; Zafka said the gym will open with a girls varsity–boys varsity doubleheader against Cuyahoga Heights and a short dedication between games. The recorded announcement gives the opening-night phrasing as "Saturday, June 01/03/1930" with times cited as "04:30 and 06:30," a spoken schedule provided in the episode.
Killeur said further capital work is scheduled to begin in the spring, including renovations to the music wing, auditorium and science labs, and described a 12–18 month timeline for the broader campus transformation.
The podcast closed with Killeur thanking the athletic staff and the community for their support in passing the levy that funded the upgrades.
