HilHI coach suspension dominates public comments at Hillsboro School board meeting

Posted on by Katie Turk

Supporters of Adam Reese, the former Hillsboro High School (Hilhi) football and wrestling coach, made up the bulk of public comments at Hillsboro School board meetings tonight, despite the board stating that board members cannot discuss personnel matters publicly.

Reese was placed on administrative leave in October, but continues to teach at Hilhi. Three parents and one student expressed their support for Reese, and their frustration with the decision-making process, which has now lasted for nearly five months.  One mother wore a blue “We Stand With Reese” t-shirt.  Another parent suggested the board spend more time on  working to improve test scores and less time investigating coaches.

Board members do not respond during public comment.

At the end of the meeting, board member Monte Akers asked Superintendent Mike Scott for an update on Reese. Scott reminded the board that there is a specific process and timeline outlined for grievances in the licensed employee contract. When Akers requested a more specific update, Scott said, “It’s a Level 2 grievance process,” and referred him to the contract.

April Davis also spoke during the public comments to announce her candidacy for the Hillsboro School Board of Directors.  Davis is the mother of four HSD graduates, and several current school teachers; her husband owns Davis Hardware.

Approved Agenda Items:

  • Minor adjustments to the policy on academic integrity were approved.
  • Policy JOC was revised.  Students will be allowed to use first names other than their legal first name within the school district, a reversal of the previous policy.
  • A resolution to admit up to 75 students who reside in other school districts for the 2017-18 school year was approved.  For the first time, this will include up to 10 spots for kindergarten students.
  • The Northwest Regional Education Service District  (NWRESD) Local Service Plan for 2017-18 was approved.

The next meeting will be on March 14, 2017 at 7pm.

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