Board to consider whether coaches must be teachers

The Albert Lea High School principal recommended not renewing the contracts of three Albert Lea coaches Monday evening to help the district find experienced teachers.

Mark Grossklaus suggested the Albert Lea School Board not renew the contracts of Rick Barnhill, varsity girl’s soccer coach; Bob Furland, varsity boy’s soccer coach; and Jamie Cameron, varsity volleyball coach. The three coaches are not teachers within the district.

Grossklaus said filling the positions with experienced, licensed teachers will help the district in its continuing search for good teachers. He said he has noticed a lot of quality teaching candidates have required they be able to have a head coaching position at the school.

Grossklaus said the suggestion has nothing to do with the coaches’ performances, noting it is tough to convince someone with teaching experience to come to Albert Lea. He said by filling the positions with experienced, licensed teachers, he can fulfill his job requirement.

“It’s a great recruiting tool,” Grossklaus said.

The board could take action Monday to keep the coaches, take Grossklaus’ recommendation or post for the positions and replace the coaches once qualified teaching candidates are selected.

If approved, the changes would go into effect for the 2016-17 school year.

Students and parents attended the meeting to show their support for the coaches.

Sophomore Rachel Rehnelt, a varsity soccer player, said she does not agree with the recommended change in school policy and supports Barnhill.

“I think that he brings a lot to our team, and I don’t understand why you would try to replace someone who shows dedication,” Rehnelt said.

School board member Jill Marin said she could see the benefit in Grossklaus’ recommendation but expressed concern the effect the decision would have on the school’s community relations, which she said is already strained.

School board member Julie Johnson said she does not support requiring coaches to be teachers and said it would be short-sighted for the board to require it if the district cannot bring in a licensed teacher.

Chairman Mark Ciota said the district must balance the needs for students and athletes in the decision-making process.

Student school board member Quinn Petersen said she understand Grossklaus’ suggestion, but noted she has a lot of respect for Barnhill.

She said she respects Barnhill’s dedication to the sport and added she would “heartbroken” if he was removed as coach.

Grossklaus has reportedly discussed his recommendation with the three coaches.