Two Coaches’ Reinstatement Upheld

In a second ruling closing out 2000, the Idaho Supreme Court unanimously held that the teacher contract in Idaho Falls gives teachers a protected interest in extra-duty assignments like coaching sports teams.

The court upheld a district judge’s order that Mary Farner and Michael Peila be reinstated to their coaching assignments until they either voluntarily relinquish them or are given a hearing before being relieved. The district tried to relieve both coaches without any appeal or explanation.

In a decision from the Court of Appeals, District Judge Dennis Goff’s dismissal of a personal injury suit resulting from a car accident was reversed on grounds that Goff abused his discretion.

The three-judge panel said Goff went too far when he threw the case out because the couple suing filed a required report several days after a disputed deadline.

Up until the incident cited by Goff there had been no instances of delay, the appellate court found, and in cases like that lesser sanctions should be imposed before the most severe - dismissal - is invoked.