NORTH MANCHESTER - The Manchester High School Boys Basketball program was the main topic of discussion Tuesday night at the Manchester School Board meeting.
Originally scheduled at Maple Park Educational Center, the Manchester Community School Board meeting was moved to the high school media center to accommodate the crowd expected to attend.
Brian Pattison, the parent of a basketball player, addressed the board, saying that he sent letters to the administration and did not receive a response. Pattison said this was the first time he had written about concerns regarding the coach, but he didn't "feel the school wants to hear what the parents have to say."Pattison said his son came home depressed and unhappy after every practice. Pattison voiced concern about the basketball coach and asked the board to discuss the issue.
Later during the public comment portion of the meeting, another concerned parent stepped forward to speak.
Pete Fuller said his son also plays basketball at Manchester High School. Fuller said his son "came home at night (after basketball practice) stressed out mentally."
Fuller said his son was "cussed out and belittled as a person" and "dreads going to practice."
Then former basketball players, parents of former players and coaches spoke in favor of the current basketball coach.
"Coach (Gary) Goshert is one of the best coaches I have ever had," said former player Klint Rupley, who added that when a coach stops working with a player or stops being tough on a player, it means the coach has given up on them. "(Goshert) never gave up on me or any other player. I have never seen him give up on a team."
Quinn Griffing, former coach and community member, also supported the boys basketball program.
"I have lived here 14 years ... and have watched the current coach for 11 years," said Griffing. "I have never heard him cuss out a player. ...He has always gone the extra distance ... The things I am hearing are not the individual I know."
Former player Brett Williams said, "Winning is not always important. ... It is better to play as a team than as five individuals. If someone wants to be an individual, run track or swim."
Mark Sorg, a parent of former players, said that the coach taught his sons basketball and life lessons. "I think that is more important than winning," he said.
Manchester Junior/Senior High School Principal Nancy Alspaugh read an e-mail from former player Kyle Brunn, who now is a student at Ball State University, to Goshert.
"... I'm e-mailing you to say thanks. I've been doing the scout team thing again this year, and the group of guys that I'm playing with are the most un-coached players I have ever met. They all played high school ball somewhere and some even have played in the upper classes at big schools. I've never seen any group of players that don't even know the basic fundamentals of basketball. ... I just wanted to say thanks for teaching and coaching me the right way. Although we butted heads sometimes, I will never forget the principles and skills that you taught me. Keep up the good work, because it's obvious some coaches around the state aren't teaching and touching up on the fundamentals. ... Keep up the good work, coach."
After the public comment portion of the meeting was finished, board member Brian Schilling addressed the issue. He said he received nine e-mails and a few phone calls about the issue, and of the community members he spoke with, he only heard one negative comment about the basketball program.
Schilling said this was the first documented complaint with the basketball program, and he has heard positive responses with regard to the program in place.
Then Schilling asked for a vote, a show of hands by board members who support the current boys basketball program - all six board members present raised their hands.
Board member Steve Lambert said he thought Goshert was "a great teacher and a great role model, and I want him here."
In other business, the board:
n Heard Wabash County tax statements are out and the school will receive its tax disbursement in June. The school will not have to borrow any money while waiting for the disbursements to arrive.
n Heard Manchester High School senior Samantha Budnik received the 2007 Beauchamp & McSpadden Self-Reliance Award. Along with a glass award, Budnik received a $1,000 prize. The award is given to honor graduating students who have overcome difficult life circumstances by doing their best with the resources available to them.
n Accepted a $500 donation from Donald Strauss for the Manchester Junior/Senior High School drama/musical ECA account; and $500 from the Wabash Community Foundation to the MJSHS drama/musical ECA account.
n Approved a Sunday building rental for the German Baptist Church. The church will rent the high school gym and cafeteria May 6 for a youth activity.
n Approved a professional leave request for Susan Warren to attend the All Write Summer Institute 2007 Literacy Alive June 25-27 in Shipshewana.
n Approved the hiring of Nancy Hanback as a sixth-grade teacher at Laketon Elementary School.
n Accepted the retirement of Donna Seagert as a second-grade teacher at Manchester Elementary School. She has taught in the school corporation for 19 years.
n Approved requests for summer band and sports camps.
n Approved the following summer school teachers: Dave Zinsmeister, English; Mike Schlitt, U.S. government; Brandon Baker, U.S. history; Josh Mohr, U.S. history; Jabin Burnworth, biology IA; Gwen Mize, summer ag; Terry McKee, instrumental ensemble; Larry Dockter, beginning instrumental music; Phil See, driver's education driving instructor; Jane Ann Airgood and Kim Robison, both driver's education classroom assistants; Jen Howard, math 5; Angilee Beery, math 6; Amy Ambrose, math 7/8; Tammy Allen, math 9/10; Carol Collett, math 11/12; Matt Webb, language arts 5; Tom Brown, language arts 6; and Kay Sponseller, English 11/12.
n Heard how the school handled a situation with the North Manchester Police Department regarding a possible gun incident. Two young men were carrying a BB gun after using it in a wooded area, but several residents called to report the men because they were close to the school. The men were walking home and had no intention of going to the school, but Superintendent Dr. Diana Showalter said it was good practice for future situations.
Members of the Manchester School Board are Sally Krouse, president; Todd Speicher; Brian Schilling; Jan Fahs; Steve Lambert; Kent Terrill and Steve Flack. Krouse was absent from Tuesday's meeting.
