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Residents demand resignations over football program conduct; board approves Gerald Grayson hire amid protests
Summary
Public commenters called for the resignation of the McKeesport football coaching staff over alleged misconduct. The board later approved Gerald Grayson as girls basketball coach; two members voted no, citing concerns about prior personnel processes and fairness.
Public commenters at the June 10 McKeesport Area School District meeting urged the board to hold athletic staff accountable after what speakers described as breaches of trust in the football program. The meeting also included a contested personnel vote in which the board approved the hiring of Gerald Grayson as girls basketball coach.
Matthew Olsson (520 Beckman Drive) delivered an open letter to the district, saying the community’s trust had been “shattered” and calling for “the resignation of this entire football coaching staff right now.” The comment drew audible applause from attendees. Julian Thomas, a former player, echoed calls for the board to investigate and act on complaints he said parents and players had reported.
Speakers at public comment said they had received multiple reports about the football program and asked the board to collect those reports on the record. Several commenters asked that allegations be documented in a way that protected anonymity but allowed the district to investigate.
During board business the board considered and passed multiple personnel motions. One item on the green personnel sheet—later clarified in the meeting to include the hiring of Gerald Grayson as girls basketball coach—drew specific dissent. Mrs. Elias said she voted no because “that coach was not treated fairly or equally,” and Mr. Matthew Holtzman said his no vote reflected concerns about the procedures used around a prior women's basketball coach. Other board members who voted yes said they welcomed Grayson and praised his community ties.
Roll-call recorded votes for the Grayson hire were: Mr. Pavik (yes), Miss Payne (yes), Mr. Serpian (yes), Mr. Donado (yes), Mrs. Elias (no), Mr. Matthew Holtzman (no), Mr. Keller (yes), and Mr. Kovatch (yes). The overall motion to hire Grayson carried.
The meeting record shows multiple members urging that specific reports and allegations be brought forward to the board in some form so staff can investigate; commenters emphasized anonymity for those providing information. The board also discussed pursuing executive-session follow-up for personnel matters later in the meeting.
Next steps: the board approved Grayson’s hiring; public commenters asked the district to collect and investigate athletic‑program complaints. The meeting produced no final finding on the football program’s allegations; commenters said civil or administrative remedies may follow.
