Wilson board approves fall sports

Despite admitted consternation by several members, the Wilson School Board Thursday overwhelming voted to proceed with fall sports by an 8-1 margin.

The vote came 10 days after the same board had four dissenting votes for a motion to send a letter of support to the PIAA for its decision to proceed with fall sports.

That vote raised concerns within the community that the board might choose to suspend extracurricular activities in light of the coronavirus pandemic, a decision that has sidelined more than 50 high schools across the state to date, including Reading High.

Even Dr. Richard Faidley, Wilson’s superintendent, was uncertain how the vote might turn out.

“I trust my board and its ability to listen to the community, and the support was overwhelming, from student-athletes and from parents in this community,” Faidley said. “They saw the example that we implemented eight weeks ago, and that example was we have protocols and safety procedures in place that people have taken very seriously.”

Three board members who voted no on the Aug. 17 motion to send the PIAA a letter of support voted in favor of fall sports: board president Brad Hart, Robert Schneider and Guadalupe Kasper.

Kasper admitted she remains on the fence about the decision to proceed and has concerns about the unknowns of the virus but voted in favor because of the outpouring of support she heard.

“The community has spoken loud and clear,” she said, “and people’s voices should be heard.”

The lone negative vote came from board vice president Steph Kocher, who expressed concerns that student-athletes who visit other schools could bring the virus back to Wilson’s classrooms and potentially jeopardize inclass learning.

Kocher also is concerned that high schools don’t have the capacity to regularly test a large number of student-athletes, as colleges do.

“Even though I have concerns (about the safety of sports),” said Schneider, “I have to say: Let the kids play.”