ARCHBALD - A motion to approve a plaque honoring a longtime coach caused a heated discussion at a Valley View School Board meeting Monday.
The board approved the placement of a plaque for Tom Krempasky, who served as an assistant football coach and teacher in the district, in a 7-2 vote. Board members Curt Camoni and Chris Smith voted against the motion.
The idea of the plaque has been discussed for several months, but Mr. Camoni and Mr. Smith said they want to see a system put in place before honors are awarded. Both men stated that though they applauded the accomplishments of Mr. Krempasky, they wanted to see honorees meet a pre-approved list of criteria.
"The unwritten policy of the Valley View School Board has always been that it does not name anything after anyone," Mr. Camoni said before the vote. "For months, this board in particular has unanimously tabled this proposal because of the ramifications setting this precedent would have."
His feelings were not shared by several other board members, who said the process had been dragged on for too long.
"It's been on the table for a long time," board member Joseph Mondak exclaimed following the meeting, adding that throughout many lengthy discussions, no policy had been suggested.
Though no system was presented, Mr. Camoni suggested the board take applications, but warned against handling each coach individually.
"I have no doubt that if left up to this board to decide on a case-by-case basis that this will become a constant distraction," he said. "It will be personal and political, and it will certainly not be fair."
A system may be set in place in the future, board President Dominick Perini explained, but Mr. Krempasky would have exceeded requirements laid out.
"We're going to try to come up with some formal criteria," he said, but added that he trusted the discretion of his colleagues. "I'm sure that we'll have to handle it at some time. That's why the board is the board."
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