CASD Discusses Eliminating Elementary Coaching Positions

CLEARFIELD – In order to reallocate savings for coaching salary increases, the Clearfield Area School District Board of Directors discussed the possibility of eliminating all of the paid positions at the elementary level at Monday night’s regular committee meeting.

Athletic Director, Jon Mikesell said among the programs in question were football, both boy’s and girl’s basketball and wrestling.

“I haven’t spoken with each head coach and am uncertain of their program’s needs. But I don’t think any coach wants to lose a staff member,” he said.

Board President, R. Denning Gearhart said many of the elementary programs had volunteer coaches and was a place where cuts could be made.

However, Tim Meckey, principal of the middle school, said issues would arise regarding clearances and liability if the elementary programs turned to volunteers.

“I would have major concerns,” he said.

Meckey said the coaching positions are just as important at the elementary level, as these programs feed those at the junior high and varsity level.

“If we want to compete with Punxsutawney in girl’s basketball and Bald Eagle Area in wrestling, we need strong elementary, feeder programs,” he said.

Mikesell said head coaches tend to move their staff members around within the program.

Board Member, Larry Putt said the varsity football staff has spent time with the kids in the pee wee football program.

“They’re not getting anything extra and are good enough to go down and work with them,” he said.

Gearhart, however, opposed the idea of coaches shifting around within the program.

“If they’re going to be paid as an elementary coach, they’re going to be in the elementary program. If they’re going to be a varsity coach, they’re going to be in the varsity program,” he said.

Board Vice President, Dave Glass said the board had just made scratches in its budget and could possibly save a few thousand more.

“I cannot believe this is being fought over the way it is,” he said.

According to Glass, the Clearfield Wrestling Booster Club is willing to fund its elementary program.

Numerous board members said they were unaware and asked where he received his information.

“I’ve spoken with Coach (Jeff) Aveni several times,” Glass said. “And, they are willing.

“I’m not saying we pick a sport but instead say we’re going to cut from the elementary level down.”

John Law, principal of the high school, asked what would happen if a varsity coach needed extra staff due to an increase in student participants.

Superintendent, Dr. Denise Keltz said a dilemma would arise, as the extra staff member wouldn’t be budgeted. “Then, we have to ask, where we’ll get this funding.”

“But, they can always ask,” Glass said.