School Board Hears Support for Coach Dan Lacey

Items on the agenda weren't the real focus of the May meeting of the Whitehall School Board on Wednesday, May 3. The Board was met with a crowded audience of parents, teachers, and students who wished to voice their concerns regarding Dan Lacey during public comment.

The regular meeting took less than an hour to conclude before it was opened for public comment. Board Chair Gina Ossello prefaced public comment with a notice from the school's lawyers that the Board could not comment on contested cases, and also urged the public to avoid violations of privacy. The Board, she added, could not comment on personal evaluation, suspensions, or discipline during the meeting.

Because of this, for those who weren't already "in the know," the meeting was a bit obtuse. Comments from Superintendent Hannah Nieskens and Lacey were unable to be made due to legal requirements when requested by The Whitehall Ledger.

However, it became clear that Lacey had been suspended as track coach and those in attendance were there to fight this suspension and any future repercussions the Board might decide upon.

Cardwell resident Ed Simon, who coached with Lacey for six years, asked the Board to look at where the football program was and where it is now and see that it is because of Lacey's efforts it is that way.

"You will be hard-pressed to find someone who puts in more time and effort," Simon said. "It would be wise of our district to come to the table and resolve the differences you all may have....because Lacey is an important asset to the community."

WHS parent Julie Woody commented that she believed the Board did not realize how much Lacey means to the students and that they "trust him, and confide in him. I'm so thankful that my son has someone to go to when he doesn't feel comfortable talking with me, that he can confide in, and that's Dan."

Willow Creek football player Campbell Smith said that he had played ball in Three Forks prior to coming to Whitehall and never felt part of the team.

"It was not that way in Whitehall - Coach Lacey always made me feel welcome."

Rick DuBois urged the Board to "judge a man by looking at his overall performance and how he connects with his players. They respect him and look up to him."

Just a few others who voiced their support of Lacey, noting substantial changes in their lives as well as their children's lives included Tara Tebay, Pod Moriarty, Gayle Walter, Carson McMillan, Melissa Stratton, Gavin Woody, Dawson McDonald, and Josh Morris.

REGULAR MEETING

High school principal Jason Slater expressed interest in alternate diploma options for graduating seniors, which could begin in 2024. The alternate diploma option would be an honors diploma to recognize those who excelled in advanced placement (AP) classes, the arts, and industrial technologies. Board Vice Chair James Reiff said that this would help become WHS graduates become more competitive nationally; the honors diploma will be implemented in the upcoming school year. County-wise, Jefferson High in Boulder recently approved a second category of awards for Valedictorian and Salutatorian, effective for the Class of 2023, which uses a weighted grade point average.

IN OTHER NEWS

• Shannon Walker, a 10 years special education teacher who has worked with Acadia and CPS, and has certifications in autism, was hired as an Elementary SPED teacher for the 23-24 school year.

• Krysten Feight Slater, who has 19 years of elementary experience, was hired as an Elementary teacher for the 23-24 school year.

• Class assignments should be posted by the last day of school.

• A new sensory wall will be installed in the Tia Kober entryway, replacing a long-standing mural.

• Robin Becker, Chad Hoover, and Laura McDonald were resworn in as members of the school board. Allissa Christensen was sworn in as Clerk. Ossello was named Chair, and Reiff Vice Chair.

• The 6-12 Business/Computers position has been vacated by Madison Richtmeyer and is currently open.

• WHS Letterman's Dinner will be held in the cafeteria on May 24th.

• Eighth-grade promotion ceremonies will be held Wednesday, May 31st; Track & Field day will also be held the 31st.

• A middle school co-op for sports with Cardwell was approved, as well as a Willow Creek co-op.

• Slater announced WHS English teacher Ceanna Berkram as Teacher of the Month, as well as thanked Jason Salvagni for his great work for Administrator Appreciation Day.

• Whitehall fall sports are on the website calendar; off-season sports camps and open gyms are being scheduled.