The Senate Education Committee today approved legislation that would give Pennsylvania school districts greater control over decisions involving fall sports and activities, according to Senator Wayne Langerholc (R-35), who chairs the panel.
Senate Education Committee Approves Measure to Provide Greater Local Input in Decisions on Fall Sports, Activities
House Bill 2787 allows Pennsylvania’s local school districts to make decisions regarding fall sports and activities, including whether spectators will be permitted at sporting events.
Langerholc expedited Senate action on House Bill 2787 following its passage in the House. He stressed that schools, school parents and students deserve greater input over whether to allow extracurricular activities – particularly given the Wolf Administration’s unclear, arbitrary and constantly changing edicts whether they should continue.
“I am confident in our local school districts to make the decisions regarding fall sports and extracurricular activities,” said Langerholc. “They have worked diligently since June to establish a safe pathway for reopening, and have demonstrated its efficacy. This is no different; we can ensure a safe way for fall sports to take place with spectators.”
He said extracurricular activities provide an important outlet for students, above and beyond classroom learning, particularly during the current situation where there is so much uncertainty and stress for young people.
“If students want to take part in sports and other extracurricular activities and school districts believe they can provide a safe environment, then we should not take that vital opportunity away from them,” he said.
The measure now goes to the full Senate for approval.
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando