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Coach and residents ask Hazleton Area SD to restore 'McGeean Gymnasium' lettering on proposed floor design
Summary
Former coach and community members urged the board to amend a proposed gym floor design to include the McGeean Gymnasium name, asking whether the family was notified and citing the coach’s historical accomplishments.
A former head coach and several residents used public comment to ask the Hazleton Area School District to amend a proposed new gym floor design that omits the name “McGeean Gymnasium,” saying the omission overlooks a coach credited with multiple early state championships.
Mike Joseph, a Drums resident who said he has taught and coached in the district for decades, told the board he noticed the proposed design lacked the words “McGeean Gymnasium.” He said he emailed Dr. Uplinger and learned the board had decided not to include the wording on the new floor. Joseph described Hugh McGeean’s teams and local basketball history and asked whether any family members had been notified; he requested the design be amended to restore the name on both sides of the half court.
Board members acknowledged the comment; staff did not present a formal response or reversal during the meeting. The item was raised during the public comment portion and did not appear as a separate consent or action item on the agenda that night. Joseph suggested the plaque in the foyer could be more visible and framed the floor inscription as a matter of local history and respect.
Next steps: the board did not vote on the floor design or announce a specific follow-up during the meeting. Mr. Joseph’s request remains a public appeal the board can address in a future agenda item or through staff follow-up.
