Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Sports Hockey topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents and players urge Glen Rock board to preserve independent hockey program amid proposed co-op with Tenafly
Summary
Families and coaches at a Glen Rock Board of Education meeting pressed officials to keep the varsity hockey program independent, arguing the district has sufficient players and that the co-op process lacked timely communication and proper board review.
Mike Daley, a coach and Glenrock hockey parent, told the Glen Rock Board of Education during the Aug. 1 public comment session that the district "has the numbers to have a stand-alone varsity hockey team next year" and said "we have 17 players and we have 2 very competitive goalies." Daley and many other parents and program leaders urged the board to halt or reconsider a proposed co-op with Tenafly, saying the administration informed stakeholders late — July 24 — and that the community was not engaged before decisions were made.
Why it matters: speakers repeatedly said the timing and process could leave Glenrock students without reliable playing time, coaching or ice access for the coming season. Several commenters cited the April 15 NJSIAA filing deadline and worried that missed steps could limit options for a standalone program or leave students unable to play if the co-op reduces roster spots.
Parents and youth-program leaders described a deep local pipeline into high school hockey. "Our numbers are pretty robust," said Bill Sanzoni, who runs youth hockey programming, adding that middle- and elementary-school participation suggests three years of contributing players. Brad Bisocchi, speaking for parents, said the program is "unique" to Glenrock and deserves to remain a town team rather than be folded into a co-op.
Several commenters also raised procedural questions. Mike Carlisle pointed to NJSIAA guidelines and said an application typically must be presented to and approved by the board before submission to the association; he argued Glenrock may not meet co-op criteria because a co-op "cannot be used to be more competitive." Carlisle asked why the April 15 filing date was missed and why the athletic director appeared to be pursuing approvals out of sequence.
Other speakers emphasized operational concerns: Christina Cunto said there is no coach in place since May and asked why the district had not begun an interview or hiring process months before the season, and Lisa Parisi noted travel and ice-rink logistics (McKay rink travel times and quality) that could affect students if ice time shifts away from the current home rink.
At least one commenter also urged better student engagement: Megan Allman described a student-initiated proposal to explore girls varsity hockey after NJSIAA recognition of women's ice hockey and said the student's outreach to school leaders received little or no response.
The board did not take a vote on the co-op at this meeting. Chair said the public input would be considered in deliberations; the next board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9. Several speakers said they would follow up with administrators and asked the board to provide clearer communication and to prioritize keeping Glenrock players and identity intact.
