District studies ways to stop Knox vandals
By MICHAEL ANICH, The Leader-HeraldJOHNSTOWN - The Greater Johnstown School District is concerned about vandalism at the unlocked Knox Field, which has a new football field and track as part of capital projects done by the district.
The district is considering installing security cameras at the field.
"At some point, I guess we have to step up to the plate to make sure everyone is using the facility properly," Board of Education President Robert Curtis said Thursday night at Johnstown High School.
Knox Field off South Perry Street has a new synthetic field and new track as part of $12.5 million in capital projects done by the district at all six city schools. The district recently completed all its projects.
Late in Thursday's board meeting, Curtis said the unlocked Knox Field - only regulated by a sign that tells when the field is open from about 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. - needs to be policed better because of recent vandalism.
Curtis said there is a sign that prohibits bikers and skateboarders on the track, but some people are ignoring it.
The board president said the district and the public needs to work more closely with the city Police Department, including possibly having people 16 and older arrested for violating posted rules.
Curtis said the district "just spent a fortune" on capital projects, including at Knox Field.
"They're disrespecting our property," he said.
Board member Robert Kosowicz, chairman of the Academic-Extra-Curricular Committee, said it's also "dangerous" for some people walking by when youths are playing at the field.
Curtis said that situation includes elderly people and adults with small children walking while youths "race by" with bikes.
Curtis said he met with Superintendent Katherine A. Sullivan to discuss the possibility of placing extra staff at Knox Field during Friday night football games.
"We're not running a babysitting service on Friday nights," he said.
Curtis said the district wants everyone to enjoy the field, but may have to contact police Chief Gregory Horning and the district's attorneys to protect its capital project investment and keep the field safe for everyone.
"We need to do something to move forward," Curtis said. "We may be looking at security cameras ... It's a beautiful facility."
The board discussion then turned to other ways to keep school grounds clean and in shape.
Glebe Street Elementary School Principal William Crankshaw said people bring dogs onto his grounds, especially parents picking up their children after school.
"I would welcome a board policy," Crankshaw said. "It's not very safe."
Knox Junior High School Principal Steven Drescher said there has been some problems at his school with people throwing cigarettes on the grounds.
Curtis said this morning the district would look at arresting someone at Knox Field as an "extreme measure," but the district is increasingly concerned about vandalism. He said that includes vandalism at basketball and tennis courts.
He said he hopes the public will contact police if they see any acts of vandalism occurring at Knox Field at any time of the day.
Michael Anich covers Fulton County and Johnstown. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.
