Community Update

This
letter is written representing numerous residents and SPHS alumns who
use the high school track to exercise. Many of us take our health
seriously and excise on a regular basis, unfortunately there are not
many location available in the community that provide a secure
environment for activities, other than the streets. The latter
alternative is unhealthy and unsafe ( exhaust fumes and dark  unsafe

streets). We have over the years found a  safe environment at the high
school track, where many walk and run on a daily basis for  years
without restrictions. Unfortunately the current  Boys Soccer coach,
decided that we should not be allowed  to use the facility while he plays.
 Since soccer
was instituted at SPHS in 1981, we have walked without any problems, it
only became an issue  with installation of the new  field and arrival of
the coach.  We  do not
impede the game in any way, stay away from the playing field (we use the
outer lanes only so as not to interfere with the game). Unfortunately, this coach's
focus is not on the action of his players on the field  as they play, but rather what
goes on behind him, he has given a variety of reasons for his justification
all of which have been disproved.

A couple of years ago after a similar dispute we met with school
authorities (then AD Ralph Punaro; principal Janet Anderson; Supt Joel
Shapiro and board member Eilers) we worked out a compromise  agreement,
that we could not use the track during VARSITY Games, but could during
the JV game with the provision we stay as far away from the field as
possible (out lanes only) while the game was in progress. Now is appears
that the district has reneged on that agreement. Many  of us are older,

and not a threat to the game. There is no spectator issue as usually
there are no more that 15 people observing the game. I have to talked to
various  referees and they have stated it is to the discretion of the
individual school how to enforce it, some have said that the coach has
asked  them to remove us. We hope the district will go back to the
original agreement and allow us to walk since we have no other
alternatives. We will abide by the previous rules and police ourselves
to make sure there is no  breaking of the said  rules.  And many of us
are soccer fans and enjoy watching as we
walk.
It is understandable that the restriction is in effect during football games, when cheerleaders and bands utilize the track and adjacent area to the field. There is also a stadium full of spectators, so walkers would  definitely interfere with  the game atmosphere, so it is only  logical that outside activities are prohibited during football. But none of these occur during soccer games, so it makes no sense to ban walking,as long as those participating stay  away from the field. We hope the district sees the logic and goes back to the original agreement.