Nick Lackovich remains fired as Aliquippa boys basketball coach — at least for now — despite winning a school board vote to bring him back.
The board held a special meeting Monday night specifically to reconsider Lackovich’s job after ousting the two-time state champion coach May 21. The board heard from community members and Lackovich before voting 4-3 with one abstention to bring him back.
However, solicitor John Cambest told the board that five “yes” votes were required for the motion to pass. The meeting started with nine board members and one left prior to the vote. Therefore, the motion to renew Lackovich’s contract failed. The board agreed to add his contract status to the agenda for next meeting.
Lackovich remained out of a job but said he felt optimistic since the board previously voted 5-3 to remove him.
“It’s progress,” he said. “I was out last time. Now we’re kind of edging to the right direction.”
Board members Catherine Colalella, Torri Durham-Flannigan, Ken Rainey and Janice Cain voted to renew Lackovich’s contract. Sandra Gill, Brian Sims Sr. and Nicole Bible voted no. Board president Tina Price-Genes abstained, and Yvonne Jackson was not present for the vote.
Board members declined comment, referring questions to school superintendent Phillip Woods.
The board is scheduled to meet June 11 and 18.
Lackovich compiled a 185-41 record in eight seasons as Aliquippa’s coach. He won four WPIAL titles and two state championships, most recently winning both in 2024. The Quips went 23-6 last season while reaching the WPIAL Class 3A final and state semifinals.
He coached the team in two stints, the first lasting three seasons from 2013-16. He resigned in 2016 while resolving legal issues and was rehired in 2020.
This story will be updated.