By THOMAS LUCKIE III

OGDENSBURG – Discussion concerning proper recognition of long-time Ogdensburg Free Academy coach and retired physical education teacher Penny Raftis Sharrow continued for the third consecutive Board of Education meeting on Monday.

The board’s approval to name the complex the Mr. Steven J. Barlow Track and Field Complex in recognition of the former coach, teacher and principal at a meeting on Monday, April 2 inspired a citizen-driven proposal to recognize Sharrow’s contributions by also adding her name to the complex.

Both Barlow and Sharrow tote resumes that list decades of involvement with track and field at OFA, among many other achievements and accolades. Sharrow currently remains involved with track and field at OFA and coached spring boys modified track and field team in the recently completed 2018 season.

Dr. Diane Para, a 1982 graduate of OFA and professor and current director of the Sports Management program at SUNY Canton, submitted the proposal to rename the complex the Steven J. Barlow, Penny Raftis Sharrow Boys and Girls Track and Field Complex for the third time on Monday,

While Para has been the primary public voice of the proposal, several former student athletes coached by Sharrow advocated for the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday, May 16. An online petition to add Sharrow’s name to the sign has also garnered over 10,000 signatures.

The board voted against adding Sharrow’s name to the sign by a 6-3 vote at the May 16 meeting. At that same meeting, board member Michael Tooley floated the suggestion that Sharrow could be honored in Monument Park at Ogdensburg Free Academy as an alternative, which was included as an agenda item for discussion and potential action at Monday’s meeting.

During the discussion, Tooley stated that he had changed his position on the issue but he did not want to explain the rationale behind his decision or make a motion until a future meeting attended by all nine board members.

Board member Renee Grizzuto was not present at Monday’s meeting.

Board member James King, who made the motion to add Sharrow’s name to the complex at the last meeting, which was supported by Grizzuto and board member Vicky Peo, read from a prepared statement.

“While I believe that Monument Park is a considerable honor to bestow, this proposal and discussion is an insult to Ms. Sharrow and what has transpired in the past few months,” King said.

King also stated that he believes the “Sharrow Committee” was previously offered and turned down recognition of Sharrow in Monument Park and that the proposal was being offered in open session to embarrass the committee.

“This magnanimous proposal only serves to make those behind the naming of the facilities and their unwillingness to do the right thing by adding Ms. Sharrow’s name to the complex appear to to be as though they are taking the ‘high road’ in hope of making the Sharrow Committee appear to look petty or even ungrateful,” King said.

District Superintendent Timothy Vernsey initially submitted the proposal for the board to consider naming the track and field complex after Barlow at the early April meeting due to Barlow’s “outstanding accomplishments.”

Vernsey also submitted a proposal to name the OFA football field the Ronald N. Johnson Football Field at that meeting. Johnson, who is a former coach, physical education teacher and athletic director, currently serves of the Board of Education President.

Para elected to offer some comments before the board and administration while resubmitting the proposal before the close of the meeting.

“Over the past couple weeks I have been stopped in Wal-Mart a couple times, Price Chopper, a flower shop, a walk along the road, on a golf course by someone who lives in Canton I have never had a conversation with before, have received emails from past college presidents and vice presidents, and they all echo the same thoughts and words, ‘why can’t they share the name of the track?’” Para said.

Johnson then interjected on behalf of the board.

“With all due respect, we have listened to you three times, this is the third time on this and we voted on it last time. If you could be brief and factual, we’ll listen,” Johnson said.

“I’m submitting a new proposal,” Para responded.

Para also stated that the parent of a Norwood-Norfolk Central student athlete approached her at the recent Van Dusen Memorial Invitation at OFA to note that “the buzz” around the track was heavily in favor of adding Sharrow’s name to the sign.

“You can right the ship so the sign presents the whole history of track and field, and not just part of it. It tells a better story to the female athletes of the past, present and future. It tells the history of an iconic coach, two iconic coaches, in big white letters against a big blue sign that cannot be missed or glanced over. It just tells the story better than the Monument Park. It just does,” Para said.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 18.

More info on Sharrow’s career: http://northcountrynow.com/news/ofa-grad-proposes-track-and-field-complex-be-named-former-coach-0234010

More info on Barlow’s career: http://www.northcountrynow.com/news/ogdensburg-free-academy-will-dedicate-football-field-and-track-complex-0231466