Staff writer
Marion-Florence school board Monday night discussed athlete and spectator conduct at games.
Recent events have sometimes cast the school district in a less-than-rosy light, Superintendent Lee Leiker told board members.
Although few specifics were discussed, Marion High School principal Tod Gordon told board members he’d like to see some direction given by the board.
“We’re talking about things like yelling, howling at officials, and comments toward opposing players,” Gordon said.
Players have yelled and turned their backs during free throws, which he sees as disrespectful behavior, Gordon said. He also doesn’t like to see officials being treated badly over decisions.
Gordon said Marion is host to more activities than any school district in the state.
“We don’t want, two or three years from now, to not be given the opportunity to host an event,” Gordon said.
Board members agreed with Gordon on the subject.
“I think it would be a good thing if Marion was a hard place to play because of how much we support our team,” Board President Jeremiah Lange said.
Although the board was in consensus that more sportsmanlike conduct should be exhibited, no vote was taken on the matter Monday.
Board members accepted resignations from Lucas King, woods and carpentry instructor, Kris Burkholder from duties as middle school assistant girls basketball coach, JoAnn Good as foreign language teacher, Larry King as bus driver, and Jane King as school nurse.
The board extended one-year contracts to principals and to Katie Rahe as assistant forensics coach.
In other matters, board members heard a report on the Lexia learning program, reviewed the proposed 2016-2017 calendar, reviewed suggested policy changes, approved two bus use requests and added an FFA garden account within the high school activity fund.