William Penn School District Reinstates All High School Fall Athletic Programs Except Football
Tagged under: District 1, News, pfn
Nicholas Mastripolito | October 20, 2026
The decision comes days after the district decided to suspend all middle and high school athletics
The William Penn School District and Penn Wood High School released a statement Monday, announcing that they would be reinstating almost all of the high school’s fall sports. There was just one team missing in the announcement: the Penn Wood Football team. The district suspended all athletics last week due to an incident that “implicates culture and climate in athletics.” The district did not give any specifics on what the incident was or which team was involved.
On the day of the announcement, students made their voices heard, especially those of the undefeated boys soccer team, who took to social media to ask students to join them in a peaceful protest the next day. On Friday, students and athletes of Penn Wood HS walked out of their classes and protested the decision made by the district.
The district has partnered with Grand River Solutions, which will coordinate a response under District policy and investigate specific allegations of misconduct.
Read the full statement regarding the reinstatement of fall sports below
The William Penn School District is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all students, including student-athletes.
After learning of concerns, the District began applying its policies, including by gathering additional facts, and has focused on hearing directly from students. A climate and culture survey was administered to fall high school student-athletes over the weekend and today. A survey for fall sport coaches is also underway. Prior to coaching again, each coach will be asked to review District policies and provide proof of engagement with this process.
After reviewing student-athlete survey feedback, the District will move forward with reinstating the following fall high school teams: cheer, boys soccer, boys and girls cross country, volleyball, and girls tennis (although their season is over). Our athletic director is working with coaches and teams to complete the remainder of the fall season
Moving forward, the District has partnered with Grand River Solutions (GRS) who will coordinate a response under District policy and investigate specific allegations of misconduct. Separately, the District is reviewing athletic operations and using feedback from students and coaches to identify areas for improvement. The District also continues to strengthen existing procedures to support safe and positive athletic experiences, provide appropriate supervision and guidance, and ensure student-athletes have clear ways to raise concerns.
