Backers continue to search for reasons for Van Lierop’s firing

The Don Van Lierop coaching saga continues as supporters carry on a campaign to salvage his Ferris High basketball job and seek answers for the non- renewal of his contract.

Van Lierop learned by letter in mid-May that the coaching position would be opened. During three years as Saxon head coach, he compiled a 52-21 record, qualified for three straight eastern regional tournaments, finished second in state in 2002 and this year won the District 8 4A title with a young team.

“We’re just seeking the truth,” said Ray Hart, whose son Curran played for Ferris in 2002-03. “There are always unintended consequences of actions. They’ve hurt the reputation of a coach and person.”

Hart was one of a group of nine people who met with Emmett Arndt, Executive Director, teaching and learning for District 81, about their concerns last week.

What was substantiated at the meeting, in notes compiled by Hart, is that, following a parental meeting at the Spokane School District central office, an open posting for the Ferris basketball position was to be made and that Van Lierop had been informed of that.

Arndt said that new principal Erik Ohlund and his administrative team would make the new hire after Ohlund begins the job on July 1.

Supporters spoke on Van Lierop’s behalf Wednesday at the Spokane Public Schools’ board of directors meeting at Rogers High. Speakers included Sue Gilman, widow of Wayne Gilman, Van Lierop’s predecessor.

She said she was troubled by the “secret meeting” that led to non-renewal of the coaching contract.

“When people say something is confidential, people end up thinking it’s worse than it is,” she said.

Patty Servine, whose two sons, Tommy and Rob, played at Ferris, said she didn’t understand the rationale for the decision.

“Ferris has a winning program and has for years,” she told board members. “The school district has an obligation to clear (Van Lierop’s) name.”

No reason was ascertained for his dismissal during the parent meeting with Arndt. Van Lierop has not returned numerous calls for comment.

Under terms of the extracurricular activities portion of the district’s collective bargaining contract, coaching contracts are supplemental and one year in duration. The contract for coaches is in effect through Aug. 31.

There is a section in the contract in which “The District has the right to discipline, suspend, or dismiss for just cause.”

It goes on to say that progressive discipline steps will be undertaken after the District “will have made a reasonable attempt to counsel with the employee and clarify job expectations.”

If an investigation is undertaken, several steps, including verbal and written warnings, are to follow.

However, Arndt said by telephone, “an investigation has not taken place. What we have is information, it’s a personnel matter and we have the right to make a decision whether or not to offer a supplemental contract.”

Maureen Ramos, president of the teacher’s bargaining group, the Spokane Education Association, concurred with Arndt’s interpretation, saying that in this case it was not a disciplinary action.

“He wasn’t accused of anything, he’s just not going to have another year,” she said.

The decision on Van Lierop does raise questions about how it could impact coaching security throughout the district.

Coaches were reluctant to comment on the record, citing lack of knowledge of the circumstances, while agreeing it poses some uncertainty for them.

Saxon wrestling coach Tim Owen, upon learning of the decision last week did say, “Maybe we don’t know everything, but what’s scary about it is, what coach is next? It creates a horrible relationship for administrators and coaches who feel they don’t have any support.”

North Central boys basketball coach Jay Webber, who said he hadn’t discussed it with any other coaches at his school, didn’t seem particularly concerned.

“I do know it (the coaching contract) is a year-to-year thing,” he said. “I think we’re very vulnerable as far as longevity and tenure, but that goes with the job. I would expect support as long as I’m doing things the way they’re supposed to be done.”

Ramos said the SEA is addressing issues through conversations with coaches and the school district.

“We’ve talked with Don and the coaches for hours about what their needs are and are moving forward in discussions with the district,” she said.

—Staff writer Kristen Kromer contributed to this report.