York city schools proposes moving home football games to Saturday
William Penn football games could be moved from Friday night to noon Saturday after two adults were shot in the parking lot outside of the game at Small Athletic Field last week.
Two men were shot outside Small Athletic Field in York during the fourth quarter of William Penn High School's game against J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster. Those attending the game were kept inside the stadium until officials determined the scene was safe.
The shooting victims, Darius Allen, 23, of York, and Antwan Jackson, 20, from the York area, were taken to York Hospital Friday night, where no information was available on them Monday.
Supt. Eric Holmes outlined the proposed changes that have been discussed by the administration, athletic department and police department following the shooting. He said the district wants students and the community to feel safe.
The proposals include:
- Moving the home games from 7 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday. Holmes mentioned the team has played on Saturdays in the past.
- Increasing security at the football games. As part of it, the district would contract with an outside source to provide armed, mobile security for the parking lot.
- Adding more security cameras to extend the sight line to George Street. The existing cameras only allow the district to look about halfway through the parking lot.
- Setting up a camera room in the stadium. Security officials would be able to keep an eye on all the cameras and radio the rest of the security staff about any incidents.
- Continue the screening process for all participants That includes going through metal detectors and doing baggage checks.
“This was not an easy decision to make,” Holmes said during the meeting. “We certainly did not want to take away the whole idea of Friday Night Lights from our children. Our children didn’t deserve this incident to happen. They didn’t do anything wrong, but unfortunately, we have to face the realities of the society that we live in, and at least for this season, we are recommending that we change the times of those games.”
The board did not vote on the recommendations Monday night. It is expected to take action on Sept. 21. Holmes said he would be getting the board an estimate of the costs associated with the proposal.
Athletic Director Ron Coursey said the coaching York High staff as well as other district athletic directors around York County have supported the time change for the home games.
Some board members raised questions. Juanita Kirkland said she has listened to President Obama talking about “running from the enemy,” and she wondered if members of the community could step in to make sure the students, parents and spectators are safe on Friday nights.
"… We're not giving our community a chance to stand up and play their part of taking care of our children," she said.
Chief Michael Muldrow said a lot of rounds were flying in the parking lot on Friday night, and the officers were wearing body armor.
But he later did say the district could use help from the community on the inside of the complex.
Board member James Sawor mentioned that maybe the district could have a celebration after the home games on Saturday if the times are changed.
Outside of the meeting, Muldrow said moving the football games to Saturday is "the most prudent decision." The statistics show the highest number of violent crimes happen between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Other districts have asked the city district to consult with them on their procedures and how it handle the crisis, he said.
York City Police Lt. Troy Bankert said Monday no arrests had been made and that detectives continue to investigate.
The Lancaster School District was scheduled to hold a meeting Monday and has another set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the incident. Tuesday night's forum will be held in the McCaskey East High School Auditorium, a statement from Supt. Damaris Rau said. Parents and others can attend for a briefing on what happened and can share any concerns or ideas.
"As part of the continuing efforts to enhance security and safety for our schools, a review of our procedures will be conducted in the near future, and those with interest in contributing are encouraged to attend," the statement said.
The York City School District previously said it would have counselors available Monday for any students who wanted to talk. The district also said it will have a heavier security presence at Small Athletic Field in the future.
Visitors entering the stadium complex will continue to be screened and made to pass through metal detectors, district spokeswoman Erin James said.
The district "recognizes that our community has many questions and concerns following Friday night’s incident at Smalls Athletic Field," James wrote in a statement inviting community members to Monday night's school board meeting. "We share the community’s desire to make sure that every possible safety precaution is taken to protect our students, our staff and our guests at all district facilities and at all times."
A William Penn JV game set for Monday against McCaskey was canceled, according to William Penn Athletic Director Ron Coursey. The team was instead to play an intersquad scrimmage.
The Lancaster superintendent's statement said that once the Friday night scene was determined to be safe, their students and staff followed a pre-established safety plan, boarded buses and were escorted out of the area by York police. The buses arrived back in Lancaster around midnight.
"A sincere thanks and gratitude to our staff for reassuring the students and handling this unfortunate event with professionalism and grace," the statement said.
Wolf on city schools
Gov. Tom Wolf, on Monday afternoon, talked in a phone interview about seeing progress in the York City School District. He credited the administration and school board for trying to make sure families have access to a good education.
Asked about the recent shootings, he echoed comments made by the district superintendent, Eric Holmes. It's unfortunate, Wolf said, but the district will move forward.
"We are not going to turn any institution around in a short period of time, but I think they are moving in the right direction," Wolf said. "I applaud him for continuing to move on. There will be setbacks, but we need to keep moving on."
Wolf spokesman Jeff Sheridan later elaborated on the school district's progress, saying it has had a positive fund balance for three years and positive annual financial results for two years in a row. He said the state is confident that by the end of this school year, all of the reforms included in the district's recovery plan will be implemented.
Proposed date changes for home football games
Here are the proposed date changes for the home football games:
Sept: 24: This would be the game against Red Lion. It currently is scheduled for Sept. 23.
Oct. 8: The team would play Spring Grove. It is currently scheduled for Oct. 7.
Oct. 15: William Penn plays Northeastern, and it is homecoming. The game currently is scheduled for Oct. 14.
Oct. 29: William Penn plays New Oxford, and it is senior recognition day. The came is currently scheduled for Oct. 28.
Staff writers Angie Mason and Anthony Machcinski contributed to this report.