North Schuylkill students will be able to attend regular-season home athletic events for free beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
The North Schuylkill Board of Education unanimously approved the new admission policy during its meeting Wednesday, Aug. 12, opening regular-season home contests to all district students in kindergarten through 12th grade at no charge.
District officials say the move is aimed at increasing student involvement, building school spirit and encouraging more students to support their classmates.
Once student identification cards are distributed, students will be required to present their district-issued photo ID for free admission.
The policy applies only to regular-season home athletic contests. Schuylkill League, District XI and PIAA playoff events hosted at North Schuylkill are not included.
“This is another way our School Board is helping us Turn It Up for our students,” Superintendent Dr. Robert Ackell said. “We want our students in the stands supporting their classmates and feeling connected to North Schuylkill.”
Ackell said the district wants students to feel part of the Spartan community whether they are athletes, members of the band or cheerleading squad, or cheering from the student section.
“Removing the cost of admission gives every student the opportunity to be part of that experience,” Ackell said.
North Schuylkill Athletic Director Jim Gross said the district hopes the change will have an immediate effect on the atmosphere at home sporting events.
“Some of the best memories our students make come from supporting one another and experiencing those big moments together,” Gross said. “We want our stands filled with North Schuylkill students showing their school pride.”
Gross added that seeing students rally around their classmates is part of what makes high school athletics special.
“There is something special about seeing an entire student body rally behind their classmates, and we are excited to give even more students the opportunity to be part of the Spartan atmosphere,” Gross said.
North Schuylkill employees will also continue to receive free admission to regular-season home athletic events by showing their district-issued employee photo identification badge.
For adults, season passes for the 2026-27 school year will go on sale during Meet the Spartans Night on Thursday, Aug. 27. The passes will cost $75 and provide admission to all North Schuylkill regular-season home athletic events throughout the school year.
District officials said the free student admission initiative is part of North Schuylkill's “Turn It Up” effort for the upcoming school year, with an emphasis on strengthening school pride and creating a greater sense of community throughout the district.