NationalHSFootball.com Legislation of public versus private school athletics is facing a proposal that has jumped the shark even for the increasingly hot-button issue.
Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association members are weighing an option that would force charter school athletes to play sports for the public-school in their home district.
The proposal could shut down the Imhotep Charter football team. Photo by Ted Tee.
The measure is unlikely to pass but PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi stood firm in front of a special legislative panel.
“From a competitive standpoint, charter schools have made obsolete any realistic competition with traditional public schools,” Lombardi said.
According to Chris Harlen of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review the panel was called to meet Tuesday by Rep. Gene DiGirolamo in order to discuss the legislation.
Representatives from several charter schools spoke in the session, each expressing concern over the plan.
Midland (Pa.) Lincoln Park athletic director Mike Bariski was the most outspoken in opposition for forcing students back to the public programs.
“It’s unrealistic,” he said. “They left (their home) school for a reason. Why do you want to send them back there? Will they be welcomed back? Will they be given a fair shake? You don’t know that.”
Lincoln Park won the Class A state basketball championship in March and said that success if breeding contempt where is should be encouraging competition.
“If we were 2-20, nobody would care,” Bariski said.
Lincoln Park became the eight charter school to win a state championship since 2006.
Joining Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Charter as a program that is increasing its exposure and success despite still being in the vast minority.
Imhotep Charter was the most successful charter school for football as it went 12-3 this season but lost in the state championship game to McDonald (Pa.) South Fayette.
The Panthers have scheduled an out-of-state football game for this coming season against Louisville (Kent.) Trinity after playing both Youngstown (Ohio) Cardinal Mooney and Elkton (Md.) Eastern Christian in 2013.
Traditionally the state of Pennsylvania has been dominated by programs in the Philadelphia Catholic League or members of the WPIAL.
The PCL would not be effected under this proposal which has parents concerned that the state was discriminating against charters.
The WPIAL only has one charter school — Lincoln Park — within its jurisdiction and has not been a loud voice in the controversial plan.
The state has only 45 charter schools with the majority being located in Philadelphia or its suburbs among its nearly 600 high schools and only a select few are winning the state titles.
Lombardi maintained his stance that charters were bad for a level playing field.
“(The plan) maintains school loyalty, makes eligibility uniform for all students, focuses athletic funds for residents at the public school and eliminates the substantial competitive inequities which have become apparent,” he said.
Bariski came away feeling better about his side of the aisle saying that it was a great day for charter schools.
The Varsity Board: Sound off on this proposal to crush charter schools in Pennsylvania
