Brownsville coach questions school board about assistant
A head coach of 21 athletes asked Brownsville Area School Board members to reconsider the elimination of his only assistant.
Brian Nicholson, who coaches girls and boys cross country for the district, told directors Thursday that as a result of budget cuts, which included the elimination of one assistant coaching position from each sport, he is left alone to instruct the students on the team, and he feels it also is a safety concern.
“It’s just not feasible without an assistant coach,” Nicholson said.
Dr. Phil Savini, district superintendent, said taking away the only assistant coach for cross country was an oversight.
After entertaining a motion by Director Stella Broadwater to bring back all assistant coaches, union representatives from Brownsville Education Association (BEA) reminded the board that “picking and choosing” what or who is brought back is in violation of the contract.
Directors agreed to work with the BEA and develop a plan to ensure that all sports teams have at least one assistant coach.
In other matters concerning athletics, members passed a motion made by Director Rocky Brashear to lower ticket prices for sporting events. Tickets for adults to sport events are now set at $4 and $2 for students.
“I think we made a mistake in raising them to $5,” Brashear said. “We only have four sports that bring in money. It’s been $3 for 20 years, so I think $4 is more in line.”
The board also approved Joseph Donkers and Ed Bohna as volunteer coaches for the varsity soccer team for the 2011 season.
During the meeting, the board also:
n Approved the elimination of the 2012 summer driver’s education program estimated to save the district $11,719. Savini said theory will be taught in classes and Brownsville students can pay to take the driving part at the Fayette County Career and Technical Institute if they choose.
n Approved the hiring of Andrew Richard Sabol as band director for the 2011-12 school year with compensation set at $3,400 paid for by the district.