Heartbroken, Not Disappointed

I would like to clarify my public comment from the May Board meeting. The minutes state that I expressed my disappointment that I was not rehired.

My comment was in regards to the District's failure to follow its own policy. I never said that I was disappointed in not being rehired to coach next year. I did state that I was heartbroken and thanked Hal Lewis for his kind comments about the positive things my coaching has done for his son.

Disappointed that I was not rehired is not accurate. For me, Joliet schools was a hostile work environment. I had misgivings before the season even began. I expressed my concerns and was assured that the issues I was bringing up would be taken care of.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. Prior to and during the course of the season, there were some events that took place, that in any other organization, would have been unacceptable. I felt obligated to speak up about them, but my concerns were not taken well.

I was told that I was a good coach who had experienced success but that there was a lot of conflict around me and I couldn't get along with people. I asked if it was specifically two people who I could not get along with and named each of them. This was confirmed and I was told that they weren't going anywhere. I never thought they would, which I thought was a weird comment, but then I realized at some point an ultimatum had been given. Them or me. Because of that I could not be recommended for rehire for fall sports. I clarified that also extended to spring sports and was told yes.

The reality is that I'm not disappointed that I do not have to return to a hostile work environment. I am heartbroken that I am losing my athletes, that they are losing their coach, and that I am leaving them in that unhealthy environment. It is not fair to them in any way shape or form. It is for that reason that I continue to hold Run Club and coach any child that wants my help. I have provided a space for kids that didn't previously have one to try out athletic endeavors in a safe, nonjudgmental space, and I will continue to do that for as long as I am able.

At the June Board meeting it was stated that the Board does the hiring and firing. When I stated that I had been fired but had never heard that from the Board, Chairperson Blain stated that she was sorry I felt I was fired, but I just had a contract that was not renewed.

Right... So if the football coach's contract was not renewed, would he feel that he was fired? Or is that different because he's been there so long? I've coached for three years with no disciplinary actions and successful programs, is that not enough to have a reasonable expectation of contract renewal? Where is the line drawn between creating lasting successful programs for our students and pursuing personal agendas?

Apparently the line is drawn very closely to the whims of a couple Board members and the administration. Hopefully one day that will shift for all our kids' sakes.