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Goshen dispute settled
Search begins for new coach
Published Friday, June 19, 2009
The legal dispute between the Pike County Board of Education and several Goshen residents was settled Friday out of court.
A petition, filed by 12 Goshen residents in effort to stop the hiring of athletic director and head football coach at Goshen High School, claimed Superintendent Mark Bazzell and GHS Principal Al Griffin violated the Alabama Open Meetings Act by discussing the position with board members outside of a public forum.
But, the 12 in the suit — Adam Register, Carroll Rhodes, Royce Stroud, Samuel Green, Cedric Green, Sheriff Russell Thomas, James Larry Snyder, John David Taylor Jr., Town Clerk Traci Shaver, James McClendon Jr., Steve Sanders and Johnny Prince — have announced the two did not violate any of these laws.
“After extensive dialogue with school officials, we agree and publicly state that Dr. Mark Bazzell and Dr. Al Griffin and the members of the Pike County Board of Education did not participate in any illegal acts or wrongdoing relating to the potential hiring of a new football coach,” the “concerned citizens of Goshen” said in a letter Friday.
Matt Baker, attorney representing the Goshen residents, said the parties agreed to dismiss with prejudice, meaning none of these issues can be brought up again with regard to the hiring of a football coach.
“What the residents agreed upon was in the best interest of the citizens of Goshen, the board of education and Goshen High School,” Baker said.
Bazzell said he is pleased the dispute has come to an end and is proud to have parents in the community taking interest in education.
“They’re passionate about their schools exactly the way they should be, and we’re really blessed folks are interested in their schools,” Bazzell said.
“We are very pleased that we’re able to put this behind us. It will give us an opportunity to move forward in a search for a coach for Goshen High School.”
The residents were originally opposed to Bazzell’s recommendation to hire Mike McCombs, former coach of Benjamin Russell High School for two years and Etowah High School for seven days.
Now, Bazzell said that McCombs likely will not accept the job anymore, and the search will continue.
He said he is unsure what the next step will be for the school system in this decision.
“We’re going to need to spend some time thinking on how we’re going to do this,” Bazzell said.
The coaching position will have to be approved by the board. The next meeting is scheduled for July 13 at 5:30 p.m.
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Comments
Posted by alabamaslammer (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great ! Lets hire a coach and get this show on the road !!! Eagles have a lot of potential this year.
Posted by southalabama (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's good to see common sense and cooler heads prevail. Thank you, citizens of Goshen and Pike County Board of Education.
Posted by acaringsoul (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG! Bazzell wins again? I think im going to be sick! Maybe he didnt break a law here, however I am sure he did with the other thing! Anyway I will just worry about the other thing for now. I hope the truth will come out about it and I hope it comes out soon! Oh and I did talk to Alan Boothe about changing the law so we can vote for our superintendent! I will leave more on how to have that law changed one I know everything!
Posted by TroyImport (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 4:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Maybe he didnt break a law here, however I am sure he did with the other thing!"
How about you LIST this "other" thing for us all, since you seem to be in the know. If it's just speculation, then stop complaining and attempting to stir more trouble!
Posted by uglydog65 (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 4:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It was a victory for who, did anybody get what they wanted.
Posted by kathielee (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the citizens of Goshen will leave the hiring of a A.D. and coach up to Dr. Griffen and the board I truly believe they will find the best man for the job, if that is possible now.I feel that Dr. Griffen has only the best interest of the school and kids at heart.
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
but really..would YOU want to file for this job?? i wouldnt..god forbid you make someone in the community mad..i like GOshen and they do have great potential but perhaps this whole fiasco just scared off some great coaches who were interested...
Posted by elvis2 (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Could someone who truly knows please tell me why Pike County operates under two separate school boards . To me it seems a duplication of services requiring money that could best be used in the classrooms . Please don't tell me it would not work beacause I live in a county with one school board and when schools were graded recently , we had twenty two schools that had an "A" grade .
Posted by bigman (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe the Sheriff can focus on solving crimes now.
Posted by stumpjumper (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. McCombs showed a lot of character and common sense by no longer seeking the job. He would have been stepping into a hornets nest. Cudos and best wishes to him. This means Snyder will probably get the job. I hope he succeeds or there will be a lot of "I told you so's" coming from his detractors.
Posted by BOOMERSOONER (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
so much childish drama
Posted by bobby1jay (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SO GO THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Posted by daisy (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is time to move on. The truth prevailed that Dr. Bazzell and Mr Griffen were trying to hire the best qualified person to coach at Goshen. The ones that filed the petition against them were like a child in a candy store when they don't get what they want. They act up and do whatever necessary to get their way. But these were adults that were not concerned of the embarrassing predicament they brought upon Goshen with their actions. It saddens me to see concerned parents act in such a manner and especially Sheriff Russell Thomas.
There were alot of hurtful things said through these comments that were very unneccessary and had nothing to do with the article that had been published. This is not the "GRIT" or "STAR" magazine but a rural hometown paper that we are proud to have in our county.
Maybe those that spent so much time badmouthing the superintendent and principal could spend some of their time and energy doing community service work that would benefit our county tremendously.
Opinions and constructive criticism are always welcome with any entity. But this went alot farther and the stigma of the actions, opinions, and criticism will take time to mend.
The road has been muddy but now the sun is shining to dry the mud, so please don't trod through just let it dry.
Posted by elvis2 (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
daisy your right up to a point , reading all of the comments showed that neither of the two , Supt. and principal are very well liked . It goes beyond this hiring a coach situation and I would like to see the position of Supt. changed to an elective one . This would be the fairest way, if you have someone the people were not happy with then they get voted out .
Posted by acaringsoul (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
troyimport if you would have been reading everything that has been put on the messenger in this past week. you would know what I am talking about. However I have been sick the last few days and I am not going to repeat myself again about this. So if you want to know whats going on do a little research and you will find out. I just hope that what I am talking about will resolve itself as well and Bazzells does the right thing. Tho I am sure he wont! Because I am backing this issuse and yes If he has been reading this stuff he knows who I AM, and no he dont like me because he knows I am not scared of him!
Posted by daisy (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When people are disgruntled they tend to strike out. I think that is what brought out all those negative comments. Pike County School system is moving forward in accountability, academics, and infrastructure. That is due to good leadership.
Posted by turtle (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad to see it come to an end. I don't know that Robin will get the job either, or if he even wants it at this point. Interesting everything was settled once Dr. Griffin and Dr. Bazzell sought their own legal recourse. Oh well, good luck to whoever gets the job and most of all good luck to the athletes at GHS. Keep up the great work you've been accomplishing and you will all have great seasons! Looking forward to seeing ya'll these upcoming sports seasons and seeing old friends and great kids!
Posted by armymomofone (anonymous) on June 21, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I still say that Robin Synder is the best possible coach for Goshen. He loves Goshen and Goshen loves him. Give him a chance and see if he can do good things even if he's never been a 'head' coach. He has the 'head' for the job!
Posted by pikemom04 (anonymous) on June 21, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with acaringsoul 100%!! The day is really coming for any underhanded activities to come to light. I would be very nervous if I played a part in these hidden agendas that has been in the school system for years. acaringsoul please let us know the outcome from Alan Boothe. For those of you that has sarcastic remarks about Sheriff Thomas, you seemed to forget he's a parent also! You evidently do NOT have children or you are just not a family oriented person like the Sheriff. He never stopped being the sheriff for Pike County, he's was just being a parent, so for those of you that think that, I hope you never need the sheriff because you will regret those negative words you have said about him. He's there along with his staff serving Pike County as best he can!
Posted by turtle (anonymous) on June 21, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pikemom04 I'm not picking please don't think that but your comment that people will regret their words should they ever need the sheriff makes it sound as though he would not come to the aid of the people who elected him and therefore not do the job he is paid to do. I don't think that is what you meant (but I won't speak for you) but that is how it sounds.
Also, if others are convinced something illegal is being done, don't wait for one person to get the ball rolling call the representives as well. I can tell you from past experiences with some educators, everyone will say they have your back but when you go in and fight for what you believe is right you are standing alone.
Posted by soldier (anonymous) on June 21, 2009 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I still support the Goshen 12! Do you really think they are through? These brave souls said enough is enough and they were ready to act. Did they lose the battle? Let us wait and see. What if Synder gets the position? Who won? And why shouldn't he take it? My goodness! The Goshen Community will do everything in its powers to make him sucessful!!!!! I know that Tortoise, I mean Turtle(the slow one), will disagree with me, but the citizens of this community have every right to question Bazzell and the Board. It is a much smaller example of what is happening in Iran right now. People believe that those in power are corrupt and they want new leadership! Tortoise, I still haven't said anything about football!
I am sure Bazzell is reading these comments! He would be a fool not to and I am sure he realizes that there is a movement to return to the elected superintendent system. What can he do? Make a lot of Goshen parents happy very quickly. But if he is as arrogant as I have read in these comments, he will not be able to do that. I predict that Bazzell is on his way out!
Posted by acaringsoul (anonymous) on June 21, 2009 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
soldier as for the last thing you said "I predict that Bazzell is on his way out!" all i can say is from your mouth to god ears I pray that day will soon come. I have watched him do enough damage to our schools, students, and teacher. I hope and pray that day comes SOOOOOOON! Oh and I am sure he is reading these comments!
Posted by pikemom04 (anonymous) on June 22, 2009 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes turtle you did take my comments the wrong way. Of course Sheriff Thomas must do the job he was elected to do, he wouldn't have it any other way. I just simply meant the same people that are complaining about him standing up for what he believed in, are the same people that are going to need his services. Of course he will render those services without thinking twice.
I for one agree with you totally on standing alone because I have had to stand alone in fighting for what I truly believe in. I was told I had the support but when it came down to stepping up to the plate, I was left holding the bag. My thing is don't complain if you are not going to to anything to make the situation better. Once you step out & start your fight don't be so easy to throw in the towel. Your victory is @ hand & it shall be sooner than later.
Posted by TroyImport (anonymous) on June 22, 2009 at 2:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm curious, does anyone here think the BOE and the Superintendent do not have the children of Pike county's best "Academic" interest in mind? Let's not look at anything except that...Academics. If you can honestly sit at your computer and disagree with that, please site reasons, so the rest of us can better understand your point of view.
Posted by turtle (anonymous) on June 22, 2009 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I felt as though I understood what you were saying, I just wanted to let you know how it could have been construed if that makes any sense. I too found out the hard way about standing alone. Many other parents agreed with me on a situation several years ago that took place in an educational setting but when it came time to stand up I was the only one who stood up for my child. I have never regretted what I did either because I felt I was justified in what I said and did. People are afraid of how they will be perceived if they stand up against something but I've never givent two hoots what others thought of me, and if I think my child is in any way being wronged you can bet your bottom dollar I will fight to the death for my child.
Solider, you are apparently the slow one because the Goshen 12 as you call them can't do anything else in regards to this matter. Read the article again, it was dismissed with prejudice meaning they can't fight this issue any further and if you look at a paper copy of the Messenger the agreement is in print. I just hope that whoever gets the job gets this type of support from the Goshen community because the KIDS need the support and that is who all of this was supposed to be about right? The kids?
Posted by WDM (anonymous) on June 22, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pikemom04 I have to agree with turtle about your comment of the sheriff,that is why you have to be careful how you word something when talking about another person.
Posted by acaringsoul (anonymous) on June 22, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Troyimport No I dont believe that ! Theres no way I would want someone fired if they turned in a fellow working for slapping a child in the face if i was the superintendent! Now would you? Yes I know this has happened I have talked to many people from the school who all remembers that day VERY WELL! Now the teacher that reported it was fired with no reason given but the one who did it is still at the school working! So NO I DONT BELIEVE THE BOE is there for our kids! Atleast not our Superintendent!
Posted by pikemom04 (anonymous) on June 22, 2009 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I apologize 4 not being as perfect as yourself WDM but my comments were never meant to be anything negative towards the sheriff u just read a little too hard into it. The subject was suppose to be about the children & their best interest not the way I commented on the sheriff, but thanks for your input it meant the world to me. I'm sure Sheriff Thomas did not take it the way you & others took it, again I apologize for not being perfect. The last I checked this article is about the boe & the citizens of Goshen, not my writing skills.
Posted by WDM (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why did you get your panties in a wad with me,I thought I was nice in what I said to you.None of us are perfect.But rest asure I won't comment to you in the future.
Posted by pikemom04 (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you! FYI my panties are not in a wad my thong is! I've read your comments on past articles, nice no, sarcastic yes.
Posted by mythoughts (anonymous) on June 23, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
acaringsoul if you are talking about the teacher I believe you are talking about she is the same teacher who tied my daughter into a school desk... I did not find out about it right away because my daughter was too afraid to tell on her teacher but several of her classmates told me about it... I felt it was of no use to report it to the Board of Education because of the incident with the child being slapped and nothing done so I filed a report with DHR nothing was done but it is still on record... if it were not for other events going on around me I would have persued legal action against that teacher because I feel that was not only emotional abuse but is was also child endangerment what is a fire had broke out in the school or a tornado were to come and there my child was tied into that desk... and there are quiet a few parents who have had problems with that very teacher... I do wish they would remove her because this particular teacher has no business teaching small children...
Posted by mythoughts (anonymous) on June 24, 2009 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry guys from reading the old article I now see the teacher acaringsoul is referring to is not the same teacher I was referring too... I guess it goes to show that there has been some covering up done on more than one occasion in this school system...
Posted by acaringsoul (anonymous) on June 24, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mythoughts I sure would like to talk to to a little more about what happen to ur child. Because the teacher that tied ur child to a chair might be the one that did a few outher things at the school.
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