Charleroi Area OKs new rules for district events

Spectators won’t be allowed to reenter and will be encouraged to leave as quickly as possible.

Charleroi Area has adopted a new policy that will change how spectators experience school events. Effective immediately, the district will no longer allow fans to reenter once they leave an extracurricular event — and they won’t be allowed to linger outside either.

Dubbed Administrative Regulation 904-AR-0, the policy is aimed at tightening control over who’s on campus during athletic contests, concerts, performances and any other school-related activities. It covers all events on district property, even those hosted by outside groups using school facilities.

The rule is straightforward: once a fan or spectator exits an event, they’re done for the night. There’s no coming back in, no waiting in the parking lot and no hanging out on school grounds. Anyone who breaks the rule could be removed from the property or even banned from attending future events.

District staff, security and event supervisors will be tasked with enforcing the new regulation, monitoring entrances, exits and common areas to ensure compliance. The policy is designed to maintain safety and order, especially during high-atten- dance events that have seen growing security concerns in recent years.

The school board unanimously approved the regulation, which took effect Tuesday. It’s part of a broader effort to maintain a secure environment without disrupting the community spirit of school events.

“It’s two-fold,” Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich said. “It’s about safety first and foremost because that’s always our biggest concern. A person, anyone, could go outside and grab something that they shouldn’t have and bring it back in. So we want to give this a try.”

The board also announced a few upcoming events up, including a free farmers market in partnership with Highmark that will take place on campus from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 30.

Zelich is also excited about an AI Summit the district will host Oct. 12. It will include 210 teachers and 38 district leaders learning about the helpful uses of AI.

In other business, the board moved forward on several measures with direct impacts on students and district operations:

• Agreements were approved with Beacon Light Academy, The Bradley Center and Wesley Schools to provide educational and behavioral health services for students requiring specialized placements.

• A partnership was formalized with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, paving the way for mentorship opportunities within the district.

• Lea Short as the new varsity volleyball head coach, following the resignation of Samantha Fleming earlier this month. A full slate of winter sports coaches was also approved. On the academic side, Madison Vieck was hired as a new secondgrade teacher. Additional hires included support staff across technology, food service and transportation.