MILLBURY — Extra duty money has been approved for three coaches who are filling in for the Lake football coach who resigned over inappropriate text messages.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the board of education approved the new contracts for the extra duty positions, in addition to their current contracts for the 2022-23 school year: Dave Rymers interim head football coach, $1,018; Greg Wilker assistant football, $509; and Larry Folley assistant football, $509.
“I think we need to point out that this is not an addition to what we were paying,” said board member Tim Krugh. “This is money that was remaining in our former head coach’s contract, divided up to these three who finished up with the season.”
Football coach Josh Andrews, who was also the assistant high school principal, resigned Oct. 5. There had been an investigation into allegations that he had inappropriate and unprofessional electronic communications with individuals who had graduated from the district.
The investigators concluded that Andrews did not engage in inappropriate or unprofessional communications with any students while they were still enrolled in the district.
However, the investigation concluded that he did engage in a pattern of inappropriate communications involving Lake alumni.
Also Wednesday, the board approved a transfer from the athletic and general funds of $10,000 each to the turf and track fund.
Treasurer Monica Leppelmeier said that this was set up many years ago to fund replacement of the turf and track.
“It is a three-way agreement between the athletic boosters, the athletic department and the school,” she said.
Each entity gives $10,000 a year and when the replacement needs to be done, there will be enough funds, Leppelmeier said.
The fund transfer was not done at the end of last year, and needed to be done, she said.
The board also heard from Buddy and Heather Ritson, Walbridge, who said their daughter was given dental treatment that they did not want at the elementary school.
They did give approval in 2021, due to the pandemic, when it was difficult to get a dentist appointment, Buddy Ritson said.
Apparently, the form is “indefinite” and the daughter was seen again and given fluoride treatment and sealants at the school, he said.
“What’s even more appalling … is we reached out to you and asked for a phone call. And not one of you board members had the decency to give us a call,” Ritson said.
Board member Brad Blandin said that the disagreement is “between the dentist and you.”
The Ritsons were told the discussion was over.
“We apologize but we’re done talking about it. There’s nothing we can do,” Ervin said.
Rufus Wallace, Millbury, who was in the audience, suggested having a yearly form that’s dated.
“That is not hard to do,” he said.
Also at the meeting, the board:
• Accepted a donation of $250 to the MVP Program from Bowers Asphalt and Paving Inc.
• Heard that on Oct. 27, the elementary and middle school will lock down, and a staged “intruder” will come into the buildings. Superintendent Jim Witt said that the student resource officer will pretend to be an intruder at the high school
“We’re trying to make this as stress free as possible,” he said, adding that this is being done with local law enforcement.
• Heard that a veterans breakfast will be held Nov. 11 at 9:15 a.m.
• Heard that trunk or treat is set for Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. On Oct. 31, there will be a parade with costumes starting at 1:30 p.m., led by the band drumline.
• Went into an executive session to discuss appointment, employment, compensation and investigation of an employee and a student appeal. No action was taken.
