White: No Decision Made To Appeal Appointment of New Coach

Following the Summit Board of Education’s approval on Wednesday evening to hire Jim Davidson to lead the boys basketball program, former head coach David White says he doesn't know if he’ll appeal the board's decision yet.

White’s contract was not renewed this spring after he served as head coach for one season, leading the team to its best record since the 2004-05 season. The board held numerous meetings aimed at appointing a new coach in recent months, and the lengthy process prompted criticism from parents and players alike. Some have taken issue with the delay, and its effect on summer practices and guidance players need for pursuing a sports program in college. Many residents have come to White’s aid, saying he has been mistreated and his reputation is now tarnished. 

“I’m not surprised and I’m mainly disappointed that I haven’t been renewed to coach the team, to lead the basketball program,” White told Patch. “I’ve made a statement in open session twice before that I felt I was unfairly non-renewed and should have been afforded the opportunity to continue in the job.”

White, who was present at the meeting, told Patch how grateful he is to “the players and parents for all of their support and continued support.” 

The decision to recommend White's contract renewal to the board was up to Superintendent Nathan Parker. According to a previous Patch report, Parker said it's standard practice that coaches for all sports must reapply after their contracts expire. 

During Wednesday’s special meeting at Wilson School, Board of Education President Gloria Ron-Fornes said the board did recognize that it was ultimately Parker’s decision to recommend a boys basketball coach to the board for approval. However, the board decided to consult with Ken Shulack, the district’s human resources director, before approving the superintendent’s recommendation.

At the same meeting, Parker announced that he will be recommending Robert Lockhart as the high school’s new athletic director during the July 17 board meeting. Ron-Fornes said it will be the new athletic director’s task of setting parameters for how feedback from students and parents will be used in hiring coaches in the future. 

White said the rules and regulations of public education leaves someone like him with “limited avenues.” 

“You heard what the parents had to say, and that was minor compared to what was said at previous meetings,” White said.

Summit resident Marco DiMayorca, who has four children, asked if White would be able to file an appeal before the board voted to approve Davidson as coach.

According to Louis Pepe, the board's business administrator and secretary, the district’s counsel told board members that an appeal could not be filed until formal action had been taken.

Now that Davidson has been appointed as the boys basketball coach, White can file an appeal through Pepe's office.

Editor's Note: Check back for more comments from residents and Summit Board of Education members. Read our original story here.