Angry parents come to the defense of boys' coach
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

JOE BINOYA/Acorn Newspapers SHOW OF SUPPORT- Students at district headquarters protest the release of Calabasas High basketball coach Jim Nielsen.

Hundreds of e-mails, phone calls and letters from students and parents may have saved the job of Calabasas High School basketball coach Jim Nielsen.

Nielsen, a coach and history teacher for the past two years, met with school district officials Monday and said he was hopeful he'll be able to keep his job.

"It was an extremely positive meeting, and I'm extremely optimistic things will work out," Nielsen said.

The recent events ran counter to an earlier move made by the Las Virgenes Unified School District. At a March 11 LVUSD Board of Education meeting, the board voted against making Nielsen's probationary status permanent, which meant Nielsen would be out of a job next year.

Basketball players, parents, teachers and others filled the meeting room to oppose the vote and convince the school board about Nielsen's commitment to his students and school.

"Jim Nielsen is one of the finest teachers and coaches I've ever met," said Wayne Quiqley, a teacher and coach at Calabasas High.

The board's decision to release Neilsen reportedly was influenced by complaints from disgruntled parents. Some parents were said to be upset that their children didn't get enough playing time. There were also reports that the decision was based on Nielsen asking a student to run an errand for him, which is considered to be improper.

Nielsen said he was reprimanded for the incident, but that within a week he received the highest scores possible during his review from Principal Vince Jantz and other administrators. Jantz recommended an extension of Nielsen's contract.

Since Nielsen was hired as a new teacher and placed on probationary status, a new contract would make his job more secure.

"Non-re-elect (of teachers) is not a disciplinary action," Superintendent Donald Zimring said. "School Districts have essentially 16 months to determine if an employee is the "right fit" for the district. Districts do not have to show cause or have any formal review process."

Paul Markowitz, co-president of the Las Virgenes Educators Association, said it was unusual for district office personnel to disregard the recommendations of a principal.

"Jim Nielsen should be rehired," Markowitz said. "A dangerous precedent is being set."

On March 12, basketball players and other students protested the Nielsen decision with a demonstration in the school district's parking lot. Lenard Gorokhov, a member of the basketball team, said every member of the squad would refuse to play under a new coach. "This man is the most dedicated coach you will ever meet, and this issue is a huge concern for the whole community," Gorokhov said.

"I'm so thankful and grateful," Nielsen said in response to the outpouring of support from students, parents and colleagues.