SEBEWAING — After 6 ½ hours of testimony from several witnesses, including administration and the coach himself, the Unionville-Sebewaing Area Schools Board of Education voted unanimously early this morning to uphold the recommendation of former Superintendent Dr. Kip Walker and discontinue the contract for varsity softball coach Lary Houthoofd.
A crowd of 80 to 90 people that attended the meeting - some in support of Houthoofd and some not in support - filed out of the high school library quietly after the decision. Several people gathered around Houthoofd, who didn’t comment after the board’s decision.
“We’re frustrated with the decision,” said his attorney, Phoebe Jacob Moore, of Caro. “But I’m not surprised. It’s rare for any school board to reject the recommendation of a superintendent.”
She said she and Houthoofd will be considering their legal options.
Moore said the board’s decision will definitely hurt the USA community.
“(Houthoofd) has been a tremendous asset to the community,” she said.
Wednesday night’s special meeting in open session was at the request of Houthoofd. He could’ve had the hearing in closed session, said Superintendent George Rierson, who officially took over the position at midnight.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Rierson said after the meeting adjourned.
The recommendation to not continue the contract with Houthoofd was based on four overall allegations: mistreatment of student athletes, unacceptable poor sportsmanship, role modeling and communication, inappropriate treatment of staff and volunteers and inappropriate fundraising activity. Examples were given under each of these allegations.
David Revore, of Thrun Law Firm, represented the administration during the meeting.
The following witnesses were called by Revore: Walker, Rierson, Athletic Director Mark Gainforth, former volunteer coach and current school board member George Eurich (who abstained from voting this morning), and former volunteer coach Ralph Hoppe, whom Houthoofd let go in early June.
Other than Houthoofd, the witnesses called by Moore included scorebook keeper Kent Bush, summer softball league organizer Sue Jo Schauss and parent Scott Schaus, who also identified himself as Houthoofd’s brother-in-law.
More information from the meeting will be in Friday's Tribune
7 comments:
Initially, I thought the school was wrong, however after reading the allegations and seeing the witness list for both sides, I think the school did a nice job staying quiet and the coach did a nice job playing the media. I can tell you my opion has definetly changed.
what did he do wrong?
The recommendation to not continue the contract with Houthoofd was based on four overall allegations: mistreatment of student athletes, unacceptable poor sportsmanship, role modeling and communication, inappropriate treatment of staff and volunteers and inappropriate fundraising activity. Examples were given under each of these allegations
Unfortunately, when detailed, the incidents do not really correspond to the charges, i.e. the four allegations sound serious, but what actually is described would require a very loose interpretation to be considered violations of those four domains. It seems clear that the USA administration was trying to build a strong case, and lacking the ability to do so, introduced four serious sounding issues, that they then failed to provide documentation for. Very sad and unprofessional by Rierson and the school board.
The aligation on mistreating student athletes and bulling should have been INVESTIGATED by Mr Gainforth by asking the softball team and their parents what their opinion was. This was never done! These kids watched the USA football program fall apart and now they are going to watch the softball program fall apart. Some people may find it hard to believe, but their are kids who like hard work, discipline, and reward! On the alligation of poor role modeling...please tell us.. how participating along with student athletes in a parade that had a float which sponsored a school fundraising event, Assistant Athletic Director Isaiah Gainforth was so drunk that he couldn't even pass out fliers, is a good example of a positive role model, and why his was allowed to keep his position.
Personally Im surprised hes lasted this long.I have known him for over 7 yrs now personally. He treats people terribly, his morals are horrible. I wouldnt want this man left with my children in 100 yrs. Just because he has won a few games while coaching the team does not make him a good person.
They are a bunch of pot smokers and drunks hidden behind money....let em go. Its time for new blood.
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