Coach carousel discussed

The Esko school board approved all winter sports team coaches and their stipends at their meeting on Monday, Nov. 14, but not without discussion from the board about the direction the coaching staff has taken over the last few years.

With more parents stepping up to fill empty coaching positions, board member Jeff Salo asked the board to take a good look at what options the district has to entice individuals to come coach long-term, and not just while their child is on the team.

“The comment which I seem to be making every year is my disdain for parents following their children through the program,” Salo told the board. “It doesn’t look good to me that we have this happen every single year.”

Superintendent Aaron Fischer said head coaches are typically in charge of recruiting assistant coaches and volunteers, but Chad Stoskopt, the athletic director, is ultimately in charge of hiring coaches.

Board chair Jerry Frederick suggested the board meet with Stoskopt to bring up their concerns. Frederick also offered appreciation to the parents that do offer their time to Esko sports when there are coaching spots needing to be filled.

“I’m not saying they’re not qualified to coach,” Salo said.”I’m just saying what kind of message does it send to some people when this kid’s dad is coaching and playing and the other kids are not even getting a shot.”

In other business, the board canvassed the Nov. 8 election results. The district will welcome back Todd Rengo and Margaret Sunnarborg to the board, as they were re-elected, and Robert Johnson at its first meeting in January. Johnson is replacing current board member Salo, who did not seek another term.