(3-23-26) On June 9th at 1pm a forum is scheduled to take place at the Rotunda, The Pennsylvania State Capitol and will focus on the public vs. private issue facing Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) member schools.

More information: Support PA H.B.41 – Separation of Public & Private Schools in PIAA Playoffs

Speaking will be Rep Scott Conklin (Democrat) and several school superintendents will also be speaking on the situation…including House Bill 41.

House Bill 41

The recent state basketball tournament intensified the concern by many…especially on social media.

The Capitol Call for PIAA Playoff Reform

  • When: Tuesday June 9th, 2026 @ 1PM
  • Where: Harrisburg Capitol Rotunda, 501. North 3rd Street, Harrisburg
  • Who: Legislators, Media, School District Representatives and the public.

From AI—-

House Bill 41 (HB 41) in Pennsylvania is a 2025-2026 legislative proposal (sponsored by Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre County) that amends the Public School Code. It would allow—but not require—the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) to establish separate playoffs and state championships for “boundary” schools (traditional public schools limited to district residents) and “non-boundary” schools (private, parochial, charter schools that can recruit more broadly).

The bill aims to address perceived competitive imbalances in postseason play (e.g., in sports like football and basketball), where public schools argue they face disadvantages against non-public schools with wider recruiting pools. It includes a process requiring public hearings and deliberations by the PIAA’s Executive Board and the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee before any separation could occur. The bill advanced from the House Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee in May 2025 (on a bipartisan 20-6 vote).

Regarding the PIAA’s official stand on HB 41: There is no recent public statement of opposition or strong support directly from the PIAA in available coverage. However, historical context from PIAA leadership (e.g., former executive director Dr. Robert Lombardi in 2018) emphasized maintaining a unified “true state championship” system where the best teams compete regardless of public/private status, viewing separation as contrary to long-standing legislative intent (from Act 219 in 1972 allowing non-public participation).

The PIAA has not been reported as actively pushing for or against this specific bill, which is framed as optional empowerment rather than a mandate. Some coverage notes the PIAA could decide internally after required public input if the bill passes.

Recent surveys (e.g., among athletic directors) show strong support and some stakeholders for separation, but this doesn’t reflect the PIAA organization’s position.

Other States-

Ohio had two of their seven division boys champions that are private schools…in D V Cleveland Heights Lutheran East and in D VII Delphos St. John’s. Four other private schools also were in the Final Fours.

This coming weekend in the Indiana boys state finals they have only one private school competing in the four divisions.

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