Jeannette school directors said Monday they'll take a serious look into the unauthorized use of the high school gymnasium after hours.
Jeff Elliott of Jeannette told the board he witnessed a team not affiliated with the school district playing basketball one evening in the gymnasium.
Superintendent Vincent Aiello said the gymnasium should not be used unless authorized by the school board. High school Principal Fran Dinco told board members he was not informed of the use of the gym; nor was he asked permission.
"Just because you are a citizen and taxpayer of Jeannette doesn't mean you are entitled to use the building without permission," said board President Susan Priola.
Approval is necessary because of liability issues and past damage caused by unsupervised events.
In addition, the city's Knee-Hi Basketball League has suffered, Elliott said, because of the lack of available facilities for the teams to practice and play.
"There is a question of availability for students in after-school and recreation programs," said Elliott. "There are no facilities available and for the first time in Jeannette Knee-Hi basketball history, there is no facility available on Saturdays. An effort should be made to raise funds to help pay for janitors on Saturdays."
Jeannette's recreation board compensates custodians who work during special programs and sporting events held in school buildings and at McKee Stadium. Each year, the school board provides $900 to the recreation board to pay custodians overtime. According to Brett Lago, business manager for the school district, the annual allotment accorded to the recreation board by the school district is $16,500.
Board member Nick Masciantonio said he considered the problem serious.
"We have to find a way to use the facility on Saturdays," he added.
