To the McKeesport Area School Board, District Administration, and Community Members:

We, the undersigned residents, parents, guardians, alumni, and supporters of the McKeesport community, submit this petition out of deep concern for the current state of our football program and the long-term wellbeing of the children it serves.

For too long, our student-athletes have been subjected to poor representation, inadequate coaching, and leadership practices that do not reflect the values of growth, accountability, respect, and development that McKeesport should stand for. The current coaching environment has not provided the discipline, life skills, or positive mentorship that our young athletes desperately need and deserve. Instead, it has contributed to the decline of the program’s reputation and the confidence of our children.

Despite repeated concerns raised by families and community members, the coaching staff has remained unchanged—not because of proven success, but because of favoritism, closed-door decisions, and a lack of true oversight. This is unacceptable. A school board elected by the people has a responsibility to act in the best interest of the children—not friends, personal alliances, or internal politics.

We call attention to the following community concerns:

   •   The current coaching staff has not demonstrated a record of success, development, or leadership that meets district expectations.

   •   Student-athletes are not receiving the support, mentorship, or preparation they need for life beyond football.

   •   Decision-making regarding athletics leadership has lacked transparency and has not reflected the voices of the families and taxpayers who are directly impacted.

   •   The board’s inaction has allowed a culture of negativity, underperformance, and poor conduct to continue without accountability.

We believe our children deserve better.

They deserve leaders who build them up—not tear them down.

They deserve coaches who are qualified, experienced, and invested in the whole child—not just the sport.

They deserve a school board that operates with honesty, fairness, and transparency—not favoritism.

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WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, PETITION THE MCKEESPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD TO:

    1.    Immediately open the head football coaching position to all qualified applicants, not just associates, friends, or preselected individuals.

    2.    Conduct a transparent, public, and unbiased hiring process that includes clear criteria, proper vetting, and equal opportunity.

    3.    Prioritize candidates who demonstrate strong leadership, proven success, integrity, and a commitment to youth development—on and off the field.

    4.    Review and reassess current administrative and athletic oversight practices to ensure accountability and community involvement going forward.

    5.    Honor the will of the community by acknowledging these concerns and acting with fairness, honesty, and professional integrity.

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THE COMMUNITY IS WATCHING.

We will remember which leaders stood for the children—and which did not—when it is time to vote for school board representation again.

Our children are the future of McKeesport. They deserve a football program—and leadership—that reflects pride, discipline, respect, and excellence. Let us come together to demand the change they are owed.

For the sake of our youth, our community, and the future of McKeesport, we, the undersigned, call for immediate action.