Do the ends justify the means?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Visalia, California, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) February 26, 2012 -- PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dinuba parents are shocked to find out that athletic coaches at Dinuba High School have been given the authority to ignore the principal regarding academic eligibility issues, as long as the coach doesn’t violate Department of Education rules or criminal laws the coach will be supported by the district. In Dinuba Unified School District, “The ends justify the means”. The superintendent of Dinuba Unified school District stated, “as long as a coach doesn’t break the Ed. Code or a criminal law, we support fully their decisions”.

Dinuba High School Coaches commonly close their practices to all parents, but not teachers or staff. According to the athletic director, it is a common practice to restrict parental access to practice so that coaches can work undisturbed. In order for a parent to watch their child practice, he/she must receive specific permission from the head coach at least 2 days in advance. Parents who show up early to pick up their children are told to leave practice and wait outside the practice area. Parents are now concerned and wondering, “ Is there something to hide?” In addition, it is an allowed practice for coaches to “bench” players deemed “eligible” by the administration because the coach has independently determined otherwise.

This event actually occurred at Dinuba High School this year! The player in question was “benched” for her “senior night” game because the coach independently determined that the player was not eligible to play on her “senior night”. The coach was informed by both the principal and vice-principal that the player in question was eligible hours before the game was to start. However, the coach informed the player of her decision during warm-ups, and never informed the parents that their daughter would not play. The mom only found out later by her daughter. Apparently there is no expectation that the parents should be made aware of the reason why their child is being benched on senior night. Subsequently, this player was voted Homecoming Queen by her fellow students. It is ironic that a student that is held in such high regard by students and teachers presents such a problem for the athletic department.

At a subsequent meeting with the Coach, Athletic Director, and Principal, the mom was informed that a School review of the facts had determined that the player should not have played because a teacher had made an error. Because a coach, “guessed right” the blame is 100% on the Student and Teacher. The Principal told the mom that he has complete confidence in his staff, and trusts them to, “do the right thing”. The athletic director vigorously defended the coach’s independent decision, and blamed the student, teacher and mom. The principal told the mom he would, “reflect” over the issue. Over a month later, the Principal is still “reflecting” about the matter. AT DINUBA HIGH SCHOOL, “THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS”.
After such a weak response from the principal, the mom went to the superintendant and had a meeting hoping to get answers. During the meeting, the superintendent asked to be given a week to talk to his staff. After waiting for two weeks a call was placed to the superintendent. The mom was informed that the superintendent was in full support of his staff, and blamed the student for the problem. He again stated that as long as coaches don’t break Ed. Code rules or criminal laws, they are allowed to do what they wish with their teams.

It seems as though Dinuba high school demands more of the students that the staff. Students are held to a high standard which is good. Unfortunately district staff especially coaches, are held to a lower standard than students. A district that excludes parents, makes independent agreements with students, and holds coaches to a lower standard than students should be held to account by the community.