Concerns Raised Over Non-Renewal of Teachers' Contracts

Public comment was a big part of Monday's School District of the Chathams' Board of Education meeting.

Three particular subjects were brought up during the public comment portion. First, many former Lady Cougars expressed their displeasure that a field named after Gail Chestnut, who coached girls' lacrosse, basketball and field hockey, had its sign removed.

"To me it's sad that there's nothing out there to recognize what she did [for girls' sports]," said board member John Nonnenmacher.

After a vote to dedicate Star/New Cougar Field in her honor, it was decided that there would be no new Gail Chestnut Field. However, that could change in the future.

"Right now they're not going to name the field," said Superintendent Jim O'Neill. "The facilities committee is going to talk about potential recommendations."

The other two issues that were discussed, via emotional speeches from current and former students, were the failure to renew Margaret Milne's and David Kern's contracts. Milne, the school's social worker for child studies, has been known to work wonders for troubled students in helping them get back on track, according to speakers. Kern is the auditorium supervisor.

"Those are personnel issues and we cannot comment on those," said O'Neill.

As the regular busines meeting got underway, the first order of business was the open campus issue for the juniors who will be seniors next year. After junior class officials presented their case for next year, it looks like the soon-to-be seniors will carry on the tradition of campus freedom that has lasted for almost 20 years.

"We wait until we get through graduation [to vote] so the junior class demonstrates that they have been well-behaved through the end of the school year," said O'Neill. "Then at the July 12 meeting they will vote. Every class has had it since 1992."

Following that matter, the spring sports that had phenomenal seasons were recognized for their achievements. The boys' tennis team, which lost in the Tournament of Champions finals, was presented with the All-Daily Record Team of the Year trophy. In addition, each member of the team was awarded with a plaque.

After the tennis team departed to a thunderous round of applause, the girls' lacrosse team, which faltered in the Tournament of Champions semifinals, got theirs. Each Cougar was given a plaque as the team posed for pictures.

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for July 12.