The Stroudsburg Area School District high school gymnasium is now known as the Curtis-Spinner High School gymnasium.  

In a 5-2 vote last night at its regular monthly meeting, the Stroudsburg Area School Board approved the renaming of the gymnasium to honor long-time teacher, coach, and mentor Ronald Spinner for his 44 years of service to the district and as the “winningest” coach in its history.

Prior to the board’s action, members of the public described Mr. Spinner’s extraordinary service as a teacher, baseball, football, and wrestling coach for the district.  He has been inducted into four different Halls of Fame, including Stroudsburg School District’s Hall of Fame, and had 21 straight winning seasons and over 300 wins. 

“There is no one who has done more for athletics or kids than Ron Spinner,” said Jake Jacobsen, son of board president Jake Jacobsen and a former athlete for Mr. Spinner.

The renaming, however, did not come without some concerns from board member Merlyn Clarke, whose motion to table the action died for lack of a second.  Mr. Clarke’s concerns centered on the lack of a naming/renaming/rededication board approved policy for major district assets.  

“I have no reason to question the merits of his (Mr. Spinner’s) work…I’m sure he deserves our gratitude. This is about whether we are acting on established policy,” Mr. Clarke said.  “The lack of policy applied equally and universally to everyone leads to cronyism and the desire of a few people to recognize a friend.”  

Speaking of Stroudsburg’s music staff and students and their locally, nationally, and internationally recognized achievements, Mr. Clarke asked, “Is anyone suggesting buildings be renamed after them?”

Several members of the public took issue with Mr. Clarke’s suggestion that the renaming was “cronyism” but also pointed to the failure of the board for 10 years to enact a naming/renaming policy and instead allowing past practice to guide its actions.  

Community member Cindy Blake said, “He (Mr. Clarke) is correct.  The board’s role is to set policy so everyone is clear…I applaud Merlyn for his defense of what a board does.”  However, she also pointed out that the action was brought up 10 years ago and nothing happened.  

The Honorable Judge David J. Williamson, another community member who spoke in favor of renaming the gymnasium, said, “Create policies but don’t let them die for 10 years.”

Board member Kathleen Kilker also voted no citing lack of a policy for her no vote. Board members Dr. Judith Magann and Joseline Kraemer were not in attendance.