VanLierop’s grievance headed for arbitration

Don VanLierop’s grievance against Spokane Public School District 81 to be reinstated as Ferris High boys basketball coach is headed toward arbitration.

Following a hearing Wednesday, the Spokane Education Association Executive Board voted unanimously to move forward with Van Lierop’s arbitration request.

It is the final step in the grievance process by a Spokane Public School employee.

“I appreciate the fact my union is going to support me and I’m really happy,” said Van Lierop. “I guess maybe it’s vindication. They just said from the start that this wasn’t right and it sounds like every person on the board felt the same way.”

Last May, Van Lierop, head basketball coach for three years at Ferris, learned his coaching contract would not be renewed.

He has since fought the district’s decision even after Barry Olson was hired as his replacement in July.

The three-step grievance process as outlined in the Spokane Public Schools employee contract includes an appeal to his direct supervisor followed by a district hearing. Both were denied, said Barb Wright, assistant superintendent for Human Resources.

The third step was to state his case with the SEA board. Several people spoke on his behalf asking the SEA take it to arbitration.

In an e-mailed reply for comment, SEA president Maureen Ramos said that, “following that meeting, the Executive Board deliberated and voted to move forward with the arbitration.”

The education association has 10 days to file the necessary paper work and inform the district of its intent.

Van Lierop’s attorney, Kelly Allen said he will represent the SEA in the arbitration hearing.

“We’re feeling very good today,” he said. “Not a lot of cases get to arbitration. An independent arbitrator will make the decision concerning Don’s coaching with the district.”

Arbitration is a formal hearing, similar to a jury trial, with witnesses and subpoena power. The arbitrator, not a jury, makes the binding determination.

Both Wright and Ramos said it is unusual for district personnel issues to get this far.

“It has been many years since anything has gone to arbitration,” said Ramos.

Wright said she remembers only one in the district.

Van Lierop compiled a 58-21 record during his three years as head coach, finishing second in state and this year after winning the District 8 championship.