Libby School Board retains fall sports coaches

The Libby School Board on Monday voted 5-2 to approve a roster of athletic coaches for the fall of 2015 that includes controversial boys’ soccer coach Charlie Webster.

Prior to bringing the matter to the table, board chair Ellen Johnston said she knew that there would be “some controversy” associated with the coaching roster and set some ground rules for discussion.

“We’ve taken your phone calls and listened to your comments,” Johnston said, addressing a number of parents in the audience. The board would consider that input, Johnston said, but she urged anyone with concerns about staff to follow a “problem-solving” process starting with talking to that person directly, followed, if necessary, by talking to that person’s supervisor and finally with district superintendent Craig Barringer.

The public does not have a right to detailed information when it comes to personnel matters, Johnston said.

“It’s not the board’s job to micromanage but to get themselves well informed and make a decision that’s best for our students now and in the future,” she said.

Johnston said comments would be taken from the audience, but she asked those wishing to speak to limit themselves to a statement for or against the motion before the board while refraining from comments on any individual’s performance or personality. Any additional comments, whether positive or negative, could be a violation of a person’s right to privacy under the Montana Constitution, she said.

After a motion from board member Melissa LaGoy to approve the coaching roster was seconded by Lori Benson, Johnston invited discussion on the issue, but board members had no comments.

Speaking from the audience, parent David Neumann said he wished to address the matter of the boys’ soccer coach. He began to say “My opinion is that it’s time for Charlie ...” but was stopped by Johnston.

“Let’s not name names please,” she said. “We’re talking about the position.”

Neumann rephrased his comment and suggested that former assistant coach Mark Petersen be given the head coaching job.

“I think it’s time for the fall boys’ soccer coach to step down and allow Mark Petersen to be the boys’ soccer coach,” he said.

Petersen said he would accept the position if the board decided to make a change “for a lot of reasons you’ve heard about.”

He noted that many parents were upset and alluded to comments made by Webster in a newspaper article. In discussing a midseason formation change, Webster was quoted in The Western News as saying “That change was not well received by some players or their parents. Parents mutinied…I was told that I had ‘ruined the team.’”

Without mentioning Webster’s name, Petersen began, “After what he put in the paper and said about those parents ...” but was stopped by Johnston.

“I think you just stepped over the line,” she said.

Others were more careful in their remarks.

Scott Miller said he stood behind a letter he had sent to the board and believed that the board would make a decision in the best interest of the children. Jeremy Friss said he considers himself unbiased and tries to be “supportive and positive.”

“I just want people looking out for the best for the students,” he said.

Teacher and coach Nik Rewerts said he had spoken with a “wide variety” of students about the position in question.

“I got very, very many positive responses from a lot of the students who play for him,” Rewerts said.

Niklaus Neumann, who has played for Webster, noted that as coach Webster has won two state championships but added, “I don’t feel that position should be filled by the same person in light of what’s happened in the past year.”

Mother and teacher Renee Rose urged the board not to be unduly influenced by input from parents.

“I’m just concerned for future coaches of any sport if the board’s vote can be swayed by a handful of parents,” she said.

After closing discussion on the issue, Johnston, Benson, LaGoy, Les Nelson and Susan Monahan voted in favor of the coaching roster while Bruce Sickler and John Carlson voted against.

Other high school coaches approved at the meeting were girls’ soccer head coach Joe Cik; football head coach Neil Fuller and assistants Kyle Hannah, John Love, E.J. Foreman and George Mercer; cross country head coach Rod Temple; volleyball head coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston and assistants Tom Gallagher and Danielle Eklund; and golf head coach Dann Rohrer.

Middle school coaches approved on Monday were seventh- and eighth-grade football head coach Josh Bean and assistants Tim Hodel and Dean Thompson; fifth-and sixth-grade football head coach Nik Rewerts and assistants Bill Moe and Ron St. Jean; seventh- and eighth-grade volleyball assistant coaches Ann Walker and Teri Baker; and fifth- and sixth-grade volleyball head coach Sam Hannah and assistant Steph Germany. The seventh- and eighth-grade volleyball head coaching position remains open.