State House passage of H.B. 41 brings opposition from non-boundary schools
Energy and optimism heightened among a coalition of public schools when the state House passed House Bill 41 on Wednesday, which would allow the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to conduct separate playoffs for public and private schools. There is a more tempered mood among the non-boundary schools, which include Catholic, private and charter schools. Scranton Prep, Holy Cross, Holy Redeemer, Wyoming Seminary and MMI Prep are the lone non-boundary schools in District 2.
“This is an important situation that we are watching closely,” said Holy Cross principal Ben Tolerico, who also serves as the private school representative on the District 2 Committee. “Athletics by nature generate great emotion, and certainly when it comes to the topic of what is considered fair or unfair regarding competition. “In my role as a private school administrator, as well as the PIAA District 2 Private Schools Representative, I hope that non-boundary schools, and more importantly, their student-athletes, will be represented fairly when any final decisions or votes are passed.
” Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre County, originally adopted the bill in May 2025. It gained momentum following this season’s PIAA Basketball Championships, specifically Sewickley Academy’s win over Old Forge in the Class 2A boys final.
Old Forge Superintendent Chris Gatto has been instrumental in the recent uptick in the intensity of the public vs. private school issue. His correspondence with PIAA executive director Mark Byers went viral on social media platforms.
Following the overwhelming vote of 178-23 by the state House and the passing of H. B. 41.
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