Barnum clarifies coaching issues

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The Barnum School Board is not expected to require its athletic coaches to reapply for their positions for the 2012-13 school year, according to Superintendent David Bottem.

The board had considered such a requirement earlier this spring, but the board’s policy committee has instead made only minor language changes to existing policy. The board will hear a first reading of the new policy at its meeting next Tuesday night.

“The policy committee received a recommendation and updated the policy we had,” Bottem said. “They didn’t recommend any changes that would require the coaches to reapply for their positions.

“The committee cleaned up some of the language,” Bottem added.

Bottem said the existing policy was explicit as to the length of service in coaching contracts.

“The language that was always there was that coaching was a one-year position,” Bottem said. “The board committee left that alone, which addressed the spirit of what the board member wanted to change. It was implied, and that won’t change.”

“We aren’t changing the policy to say the coaches have to apply every year.”

Bottem also said he has approved wording of print advertising for a new head football coach. Kevin Haley resigned April 3 after 14 seasons with the program amid an internal district investigation.

Haley was placed on paid administrative leave from teaching social studies on March 7 for undisclosed reasons.

Bottem said the position will be posted internally for one week, followed by in print for two weeks. After that time, athletic director Zach Painovich will set up a committee to select a replacement.

Tags: carlton county, sports