RIVERSIDE

A sudden change in Highland High School’s baseball coaching staff has led to an empty seat on the School Board.

Jarrod Longbine, an assistant baseball coach whose contract was not renewed by Activities Director Jody Fink, turned in his resignation letter to the School Board in time for its Oct. 12 meeting.

Longbine, who lives in Ainsworth and runs an accounting business, was in the midst of a four-year term as the District 2 Board member.

Longbine spoke out against the removal of Allen Rath as head baseball coach during the School Board’s meeting in early August. Two days later, he was told by Fink that he also would not receive a contract renewal.

Longbine has not attended a Board meeting since then and last week sent a resignation letter to the Board.

Neither non-renewal was discussed by the board.

In the letter, which was obtained by The News, Longbine said: “I have reached this decision after careful consideration. I believe the board should provide active oversight, ask thoughtful questions, and independently examine recommendations before making decisions. I have become increasingly concerned that the board is too often simply adhering to instructions without sufficient discussion or meaningful scrutiny. In my view, this limits the board’s ability to fully carry out its responsibilities and represent the interests of the community.”

“I want to thank the community members who entrusted me with this role, and I remain hopeful that the board will foster a culture of open discussion, careful consideration, and independent judgment.”

The Board plans to appoint a replacement for Longbine’s seat instead of holding a special election. The deadline for applications is Nov. 4.

In the meantime, Drake Brezina was named head baseball coach, replacing Rath, and Kyle Sherman was named an assistant coach, replacing Longbine.

Fink’s Activities Director position is now shared with Bill Zywiec, an assistant principal at the high school and junior high school.

During the August 10 board meeting, Longbine questioned why the board did not have the opportunity to review evaluations of district staff and coaches.

“It’s a bad policy,” Longbine said.

While the board votes on all appointments and resignations, district administrators make hiring decisions on teachers and other staff, including coaches. The only position administered by the board is schools superintendent.