Community Petition to Request Leadership Review and Financial Oversight of PHYA


Community Petition to Request Leadership Review and Financial Oversight of PHYA
The Issue
To:
Pine Hill Borough Council
Director of Recreation
Governing Officials of Pine Hill, NJ
We, the undersigned parents, guardians, residents, and concerned community members, are formally submitting this petition to request immediate action regarding the current leadership and administrative operations of the Pine Hill Youth Association (PHYA).
Our concerns are as follows:
Mismanagement of Youth Sports Administration
PHYA, under the leadership of Karen Stoever-Harris, has displayed a repeated pattern of poor communication, disorganization in scheduling, and inconsistent application of rules and policies, negatively affecting multiple teams and children’s experiences across seasons and events.
Hostile and Unprofessional Conduct
Numerous parents and coaches have witnessed and experienced disrespectful, dismissive, and combative behavior from Ms. Stoever-Harris. This creates a hostile environment for volunteers and deters meaningful community involvement.
Due to the lack of transparency surrounding PHYA’s finances—including limited reporting, refusal to answer financial questions, and visible discrepancies in how funds are allocated—we are requesting an immediate independent audit of PHYA’s financial records. Our goal is to ensure that all funds collected from families, fundraisers, and public sources are being used appropriately and in alignment with the mission to support youth sports in Pine Hill.
Lack of Equity and Inclusion in Decision-Making
Concerns have also been raised about exclusionary practices and biased treatment of coaches and families.
Our Requests:
That the Borough of Pine Hill open an investigation into PHYA’s leadership and financial practices.
That an independent audit be conducted of PHYA’s financial records from the past 3–5 years.
That a community-based oversight committee be established, composed of parents, residents, and borough officials, to ensure transparency and fairness in the administration of youth sports.
Our children deserve a well-managed, inclusive, and trustworthy youth sports organization that prioritizes their development and well-being. We, the undersigned, respectfully demand immediate intervention and structural change.
119
The Issue
To:
Pine Hill Borough Council
Director of Recreation
Governing Officials of Pine Hill, NJ
We, the undersigned parents, guardians, residents, and concerned community members, are formally submitting this petition to request immediate action regarding the current leadership and administrative operations of the Pine Hill Youth Association (PHYA).
Our concerns are as follows:
Mismanagement of Youth Sports Administration
PHYA, under the leadership of Karen Stoever-Harris, has displayed a repeated pattern of poor communication, disorganization in scheduling, and inconsistent application of rules and policies, negatively affecting multiple teams and children’s experiences across seasons and events.
Hostile and Unprofessional Conduct
Numerous parents and coaches have witnessed and experienced disrespectful, dismissive, and combative behavior from Ms. Stoever-Harris. This creates a hostile environment for volunteers and deters meaningful community involvement.
Due to the lack of transparency surrounding PHYA’s finances—including limited reporting, refusal to answer financial questions, and visible discrepancies in how funds are allocated—we are requesting an immediate independent audit of PHYA’s financial records. Our goal is to ensure that all funds collected from families, fundraisers, and public sources are being used appropriately and in alignment with the mission to support youth sports in Pine Hill.
Lack of Equity and Inclusion in Decision-Making
Concerns have also been raised about exclusionary practices and biased treatment of coaches and families.
Our Requests:
That the Borough of Pine Hill open an investigation into PHYA’s leadership and financial practices.
That an independent audit be conducted of PHYA’s financial records from the past 3–5 years.
That a community-based oversight committee be established, composed of parents, residents, and borough officials, to ensure transparency and fairness in the administration of youth sports.
Our children deserve a well-managed, inclusive, and trustworthy youth sports organization that prioritizes their development and well-being. We, the undersigned, respectfully demand immediate intervention and structural change.
119
The Decision Makers
Petition created on June 22, 2025