ECASD Board of Directors Push for Spectator Attendance at Games

There’s no doubt the Ellwood City Area School Board of Directors support student participation in Fall sports, but they also made it clear that they want spectators in the stands, on the sidelines, and cheering on the athletes.

At Thursday’s meeting, Director Erica Gray insisted the board find a way to make that happen.

Although Superintendent Wes Shipley agrees with the board, he said the board’s and the district’s options are limited and opening the “gates” to events could open a flood gate of liability for the district. Current state mandates regarding Coronavirus limit spectators at outside events to 250 people.

“If we do not abide by that mandate, it is possible we will not be covered by our insurance,” he said.

District Solicitor, Jennifer Dambeck echoed Shipley’s words urging caution in moving forward with any type of plan to exceed the 250 limit. She said not only could the district face liability but board members themselves could be at risk for lawsuits should a spectator become ill.

“As long as you are complying with mandates, you have a defense,” Dambeck said.

The board is hopeful, however, that House Bill 2787, which was sponsored by State Representative Aaron Bernstein, passed on Wednesday, will go into effect soon. That bill would allow district school boards to make decisions regarding spectators at school sporting events. Shipley and Dambeck said although the bill made it through the House, the Governor still has to give it his stamp of approval. Speculation is that the governor could veto the bill, leaving spectators to watch Ellwood City Sports via live stream.

Even facing that obstacle, board members tried to brainstorm ways to allow some spectators.

Director Jean Biehls said upon her research she didn’t see a clear consequence spelled out anywhere for district’s that didn’t adhere to the mandate, but Dambeck said although a consequence may not be found in writing, it is clear and likely that insurance companies will shun districts that don’t follow mandates.

Shipley estimated participation in tonight’s home game to be at 213. That number includes home athletes, cheerleaders, band, away athletes, officials, medics, police, and any other “spectator” who is essential to the game.

Shipley said without limiting student participation, allowing spectators in nearly impossible. He said the only feasible option in that case would be to juggle the football team and band. It would require the band to only come in to perform at halftime, during which time the football team would have to leave the facility. Citing fairness to the band and football team, the board did not make an official motion to adopt that plan.

Gray suggested giving any available tickets to senior parents. She estimated 25 senior participants per game. Board President Renee Pitrelli said although she completely supports having spectators at the games, she doesn’t want to have to decide who does and doesn’t get tickets. She said giving tickets to some parents could cause other parents to question why they didn’t get one. Gray continued to insist that parent of seniors should get seniority.

“This could be the last time these seniors get to play,” she said. “Those parents should be there.”