In what marks the third peaceful protest since the ouster of
Gilroy High School’s longtime athletic director, supporters have
resolved to send a message: They’re not going anywhere Full
article
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In what marks the third peaceful protest since the ouster of Gilroy High School’s longtime athletic director, supporters have resolved to send a message: They’re not going anywhere.
Friends, students, family and co-workers of former athletic director Jack Daley donned matching T-shirts, flashed signs and waved to cars in front of GUSD offices Thursday prior to the school board meeting at 7810 Arroyo Circle, where once again speakers took to the podium and voiced disapproval of the board’s decision.
“I despise meetings. Especially school board meetings,” said Steve Brinkman, former assistant superintendent of Administrative Services for GUSD. “For me to come to meetings, it has to be important.”
Daley’s removal came at the conclusion of a GUSD investigation stemming from an injury DUI accident involving former GHS track and field coach Alvin Harrison, an incident that cost Daley his athletic director position and will prevent him from coaching in the future.
After the accident, it was discovered Harrison did not have a valid driver’s license while driving a school-rented van on an athletic field trip in Southern California, according to the California Highway Patrol. No students were with Harrison in the rented vehicle.
A school district investigation revealed Daley rented the vehicle for Harrison to use, but Daley reiterated to the Dispatch that he had no knowledge of Harrison’s invalid license.
“I’ve been at all three rallies,” said GHS alumna Mandi Jo Torres. “I plan to keep on coming back, even if I’m the sole soldier here.”
What some attendees had to say…
“Jack and I are humbled and amazed at the support that the community has shown to him and our family. We’re appreciative of the time people have taken to write letters, show up, call and show their support.” – Karen Daley; wife of Jack Daley
“We’ve all known jack to be a caring kind man who devotes countless hours to the well being of our athletes. It’s unfortunate that Mr. Daley has been fired for trusting someone who should have been trustworthy…I understand he has been relocated – however in reality, that’s comparable to being fired. You took a man that has devoted himself to our school district and told him he could never do a specific job again; not to mention the public scrutiny and pain his family has endured. Please ask yourselves, were his actions so unforgivable that it counteracted the years of good he has done in so many student’s lives?” – Lanna Sandoval; parent
“Well, here we are again, and we’re not going to go away. Two weeks ago, many of us wondered why police were present at the board meeting? Why would you feel threatened by people who are the biggest supporters of the high school? Because you’re out of touch. When you made the decision to fire Jack, did you expect this kind of reaction? I think not, because you’re out of touch. People are perplexed. No one can understand how this could have happened…there is no logic, and this smells rotten… If you really cared, you would do the right thing and give jack his job back. With an apology.” – Steve Brinkman, former assistant superintendent of Administrative Services for GUSD
“I and many others no longer have trust or faith that you are making decisions in the best interest of this district. For goodness sakes; by not allowing him to coach you have implied he is a danger to our youth. Your behavior humiliates him. He has shown nothing but respect for each and every one of us. I have more confidence and trust in him that I do in almost all of you sitting here.” – Jan Alonso, ASB school accountant at GHS
“Some of the schools aren’t as fortunate as you have been. Please don’t let this be a permanent thing. Reconsider what you’ve done. Bring Jack back. The whole community will be very happy if you do that.” – Phil Silveira, sports photographer
“The district hired a con man. I was conned. We all were conned.” – Catherine Silva, GHS teacher; cross country and track and field coach (in a statement referring to Alvin Harrison)
“If he made a mistake – and that’s a big IF – it wasn’t premeditated or malicious. Instead of taking him out of office; I wish you would all fight for the man. I think you should all fight for Jack Daley.” – Jim Hemeon; Live Oak High School teacher and GHS parent
