Gateway parents request competitive cheer team, board laments state budget impasse

Erika Bouma, mother of a freshman student, asked Gateway School Board this week to approve a high school competitive cheer group.

“Cheer is more than just a sideline sport,” said Bouma, who was accompanied by five other district parents. “These girls train and condition year-round.”

She said a competitive squad would boost morale and offer opportunities for the team members to earn recognition.

Several other local school districts – Plum, Franklin Regional, Penn-Trafford, Norwin and Hempfield – have competitive cheer squads, they said.

Gateway parents have attempted to get a competitive team approved in the past, according to parent Rhonda Moyer.

Bouma said they are not requesting funds from the district and have been fundraising, participating in community events and receiving donations.

Board President Leslie McBride said the topic will be added to the agenda for next month’s meeting, while Superintendent Guy Rossi added that Athletic Director Don Holl will contact the cheer parents this week.

District losing money

Business Manager Mike Zourelias said that, as of October, the state owes Gateway approximately $3.4 million in funding, which has been on hold during the budget impasse in Harrisburg.

The district also has lost $36,000 in interest, he said.

The budget stalemate has cost Pennsylvania school districts about $4 billion.

“Until (the budget is passed), we have to be mindful of how we spend money,” Director Robin Mongo said.

Items on hold

The board continued to keep several items on hold, including:

• The purchase of $7,500 of software for a new digital scoreboard from ScoreVision. At the study session on July 14, the board voted 8-1 (Director John Ritter being opposed) to table the purchase, and the agenda item has remained on hold since then.

• The approval of the Tri-COG Land Bank’s Notice of disposition for Monroeville Lot Block 857-M-351, which is located between Monroeville Public Library and senior citizen center. Tri-COG’s plan is to transfer the property to a municipal member, with the understanding that it be used to benefit the library and senior center.