The meeting room at the Talladega County Board of Education office was overflowing on Thursday, as Munford High School softball coach’s contract was not renewed. Members of the softball team, as well as some of their parents were in attendance as board members voted unanimously to not retain Kathy Brown, who taught history at Munford High, for the 2008-2009 school year.
Schools superintendent Cindy Elsberry declined to comment on the decision to non-renew Brown’s contract. The board can choose to non-renew contracts for non-tenured employees without giving a reason.
Brown was relieved of her duties as softball coach on Wednesday and did not make the trip to the state tournament with the team. Anne Hopkins, who was the assistant coach this season, took over head coaching duties.
The Lady Lions played one game on Thursday and will return to action today at 4 p.m. when they face Straughn in an elimination game.
A player’s parent and Brown’s aunt both spoke to the board members on her behalf. Brown, who was present at the meeting, cried after the vote was taken while some of the players were visibly upset at the outcome. Attempts to reach Brown for comment were unsuccessful at press time.
Another coach in the county will also be out of a job at the end of the month. The board also voted to not retain Rocky White as a science teacher at Fayetteville High School for the 2008-2009 school year. White served as an assistant football coach and the head golf coach at Fayetteville this year.
All personnel issues were voted on together and included resignations from three coaches in the county. David Box and Greg Busby, who were both assistant football coaches at B.B. Comer High School, both resigned with no reason given. Lincoln High baseball coach Mark Glenn resigned as well.
