Parent criticizes hiring process as board approves new basketball coaches

A Mount Pleasant parent criticized the district's handling of the boys' and girls' basketball coach hiring process during public comment at the June 25 board meeting, saying the process had not followed the steps reportedly announced at a prior meeting and that behind‑the‑scenes influence had undermined public participation.

Laney Allen, who identified herself during public comment, said, "People come, and then things are just done backdoor the way someone else wants them done anyway. It's really, really frustrating." She urged board members to vote independently: "Can we think critically and vote on what you think is right? Because, again, you're here for the students and the taxpayers of the district. You are not here for another school board member."

After public comment the board approved several athletics personnel motions related to coaching. The board approved head‑coach appointments and supplemental personnel for the upcoming year. Recorded actions on athletics included: - Approval of head coaches listed on agenda item 4.1 (Scott Hillen and Giovanni Sanders); motion moved by Mister Coppula, seconded by Mister Knoptschneider; vote: aye, motion passed. - Approval of boys basketball head coach (Mark Katarski) and seventh/eighth grade girls coach (Scott Hillen) under agenda item 4.2; motion moved by Mister Reibel, seconded by Mister Coppula; vote: aye, motion passed. - A grouped approval of supplemental athletic and extracurricular personnel and volunteers (items 4.3–4.6); motion moved by Mister Knoptschneider, seconded by Mrs. Brooks; vote: aye, motion passed.

Allen said the dispute has affected students and families and warned that continuing reinforcement of negative behavior would make the situation worse. The board took the athletics appointments by motion without extended public discussion; several motions were approved by voice vote.