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Documents and complaints  

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During the course of reporting on high school coaching the Weekly obtained many documents, including complaints submitted by parents, e-mails and responses of administrators. A sampling of these documents is available below.

Names have been redacted where appropriate to protect the identity of complainants and to protect students referenced from possible embarrassment.

Evaluation Forms – Paly and Gunn athletic directors currently use two different forms for gathering feedback from student athletes. Gunn administers its form via e-mail to athletes at the end of the season and encourages parent input. Paly has no system for using its form, but when it is used it is administered only to players. Some coaches have developed their own forms.
Gunn evaluation form
Paly evaluation form

Coaching Compensation Schedule – A list of what high school coaches are paid per season and the number of paid coaches for each sport.

PAUSD Policy on Handling Complaints – The official policy of the school district regarding how complaints about district personnel should be handled, including requirement that complaints be responded to in writing within 10 days and that the subject of the complaint be provided with a copy.

Paly Girls Water Polo – At least 22 written complaints, many anonymous, were submitted during and after the fall, 2008 water polo season about coach Cory Olcott, eventually triggering a review and response by the school.
Sample of six complaints submitted in Nov. 2008 – Letters from water polo parents to Athletic Director Earl Hansen after the end of 2008 season.
Series of letters from parent Joan Fiser, Nov. 2008-Feb. 2009 – Letters to Paly principal Jacqueline McEvoy, assistant principal Jerry Berkson and superintendent Kevin Skelly.
Memo by coach Cory Olcott to Jerry Berkson, dated March 13, 2009– Olcott's summary of a meeting he had with Berkson to discuss the complaints.
Official response to Fiser from Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson, dated May 22,2009 – Berkson's conclusions after his review of the water polo situation.
Letter from Fiser to Berkson responding to his letter, dated May 27, 2009


Paly Girls Basketball – A group of concerned parents met with school officials on January 12, 2009, during the winter basketball season, regarding the behavior of coach Scott Peters. This led to a written complaint and a response by the school.
Formal complaint from parents David & Cheryl Atkinson, dated Jan. 15, 2009– Submitted to Paly principal Jacqueline McEvoy
E-mails between parents & school administrators– Parent e-mails regarding Peters
Official response to Atkinsons from Jacqueline McEvoy– McEvoy's conclusion that no immediate administrative action is called for against Peters, dated Jan. 30, 2009
New complaint, dated Feb. 6, 2009– Alleging continued use of profanity by Peters just one day after he was instructed by Hansen not to use profanity
E-mail from Earl Hansen to Jacqueline McEvoy– Hansen's reaction to the Feb. 6 complaint pertaining to profanity, dated Feb. 9, 2009
Response to Feb. 6, 2009 complaint by Jerry Berkson, dated June 23, 2009– Berkson confirmed that Peters had used profanity, but said it wasn't directed at anyone.

Gunn Baseball – Following an incident at a practice involving his treatment of a player, coach Brian Kelly was suspended in the middle of the season and later terminated.
E-mails between parents, players and school administrators– Complaints and supportive comments, dated March 20-April 21, 2009

Paly Baseball – Complaints about coach Donny Kadokawa during the spring 2009 season, a response by the school and letters in support.
Formal complaint from parents Paul & Susan Burk, dated April 9, 2009– Submitted to Paly principal Jacqueline McEvoy and PAUSD assistant superintendent Scott Bowers
Official response to Burks from Jacqueline McEvoy, dated April 20, 2009 – McEvoy's conclusion that Kadokawa's behavior did not warrant his removal as coach but that he would be monitored at each of the remaining games
Samples of letters supporting Kadokawa – A least 10 letters were submitted to the Paly administration in support of Kadokawa, dated April 1-June 2, 2009

Gunn Softball – Gunn athletic director Chris Horpel decided to replace the coach after the spring, 2009 season
E-mail exchange with parent, dated Sept. 4, 2009 – Horpel explaining his decision and how parents can support coaches and teams

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Comments

Posted by Tyler Hanley, online editor of Palo Alto Online, on May 21, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Tyler Hanley is a member (registered user) of Palo Alto Online

All comments regarding the special report on coaching in Palo Alto high schools have been streamlined to the following thread. Please add your comments here: Web Link


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