Van Lierop may regain job

Barry Olson is the Ferris boys basketball coach – at least for now.

A door apparently has opened that could mean Don Van Lierop’s eventual return to the position.

A three-sentence press release announced resolution of a mediation between Van Lierop, who filed a grievance against Spokane Public Schools seeking his job back, and the school district.

The statement, in its entirety, reads:

“Spokane Education Association and the Spokane Public Schools have resolved the grievances of Don Van Lierop. The position of Ferris boys basketball coach will be opened upon completion of the 2004-05 season. During the 2004-05 season Barry Olson will be the varsity basketball head coach.”

What that means is unclear. Spokeswomen for Spokane Public Schools and the Spokane Education Association were out of town and unavailable for comment.

“I can tell you,” said Van Lierop, “that I’m confident the way the grievance was resolved will result in me being coach in 2005-06.”

Last May, Van Lierop learned that his coaching contract at Ferris would not be renewed following three years as head coach. Extracurricular contracts are supplemental and determined on a year-to-year basis.

The decision resulted in a groundswell from supporters seeking reasons for the non-renewal.

In July, Saxons assistant coach Olson was announced as Van Lierop’s replacement.

Thereafter, Van Lierop filed a grievance, retained an attorney and in August the SEA voted to move forward on arbitration. It went to mediation instead. Van Lierop’s attorney, Kelly Allen, cited the inherent risks of arbitration for all involved.

“Really, the function of a mediator is facilitating a resolution and trying to find common ground for all parties,” Allen explained.

Van Lierop, whose wife recently gave birth to their third son, said it was best for the team and his family that he not coach this year to avoid potential distractions.

Olson, who said there could be distractions only if he allowed them, will keep the job he was hired last summer to do.

Olson said he doesn’t know the details of the mediation and hasn’t seen or heard anything official other than rumors.

“I’ve been reassured and am assuming I’m coaching,” he said. “It’s a one-year contract like every year and what happens after that, I’m not worrying about.”

Both coaches said the same thing: The Ferris team is made up of a great group of kids, who had a successful summer and who have a lot to look forward to this season.

Ferris’ season begins Nov. 30.

“We have the month of December to get used to each other,” said Olson of his role as new Saxons coach. “The things I can control are the things I choose to spend my energy on. Worrying and trying to change them won’t do much.”