Bill introduced that could start separation of public-private schools

By CHRIS HARLAN

For the MV Indpendent

Public school advocates leading the boundary vs. nonboundary debate were surprised to learn that a state representative plans to introduce legislation to create separate playoffs.

State Rep. Scott Conklin held a news conference Thursday night in State College to “unveil legislation that would allow the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association the authority to establish separate playoffs and championships for public and private schools.”

The public school advocates — named the Pennsylvania Athletics Equity Committee — have talked with numerous state legislators during their grassroots effort to create separate playoffs, but the Centre County Democrat wasn’t among them.

“Initially, it was a bit of a surprise because we hadn’t spoken with (Rep.) Conklin at all,” said Mill Creek superintendent Bill Hall, a PAEC organizer. “We didn’t know him. And then all of a sudden we get this news that he’s announcing legislation. So, yeah, it kind of caught us by surprise.”

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