Players from both JV and varsity softball teams at Scotland High School were in attendance to show their support for dismissed coaches Joel McCanna and James Bethea.
The decision the board came to regarding the restoration of the coaches was no decision at all, as, after sitting in closed session for nearly two hours, the board informed those gathered that they would have to wait until tomorrow to learn the fate of their dismissed coaches.
This choice to delay drags out what has been a painful ordeal for the coaches, players and families involved for at least another day.
As the clock crept toward 11 p.m. many players from the JV softball team along with their parents (all in attendance to dispute the coaches' dismissal) waited, with escalating impatience, for the board to return from its closed session with a decision regarding the respective fates of JV head coach Joel McCanna and assistant coach James Bethea.
The reason for the delay was not made clear. McCanna said he was told that the board delayed to ensure that the confidentiality of personnel issues was maintained.
Upon learning of the board's "hurry up and wait decision" many parents and their children lashed out verbally.
McCanna thanked them all for attending and encouraged them to display emotional restraint as they waited for tomorrow's decision.
Despite this, some of the teenaged players left in tears following one final "Scots!" chant with the team.
McCanna and Bethea were dismissed for what they were told was the inappropriate touching of their players during a "birthday licks" ritual two weeks ago following a scrimmage game with the Scotland varsity team.
Among those who turned out in support of McCanna and Bethea during the meeting were players from the school's varsity softball team, concerned locals and the families of the two coaches.
The players have agreed to quit the season if their coaches are not reinstated.
To begin the meeting board chairman Jimmy Bennett made time for three parents to speak on behalf of the dismissed coaches, allowing each three minutes.
The speakers, led by parent Bobbie Lowe, read letters from players, all of whom reported that the "birthday licks" were hardly inappropriate and solely on the players' arms.
"Each player on this team loves both coaches," read a letter from Sarah Cross.
It was not clear following the meeting whether or not the board had reached a decision or not.
Also during the meeting:
-Guest advisor Ed Dunlap gave the board advice about how to proceed in their search for a replacement for retiring Superintendent Shirley Prince. Among the tips offered was the suggestion that board members each make a list of their five favorite candidates and then submit those applicants for consideration by the board, at-large.
-The board approved allocating $23,455 to extend the system's contract with "Discovery Education," a multimedia resource available to educators. The service makes educational video clips and other media tools available to teachers, on-demand.
-A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of recently killed Carver Middle School student CJ McLean.
-James McLean of Carver Middle School was given the county's "Key Player" award for his service. McLean was met with a standing ovation upon accepting the award from schools spokesman Andy Cagle, who said that people like McLean are the reason he looks forward to going to work.
-Information regarding what stimulus money would be made available to the county was presented to the board by finance officer Marvin Dereef. Approximately $3.5 million will be made available to the county in Title 1 funds and I.D.E.A. funds beginning April 29 (when half of the $1.9 mil. Title 1 money will be available).
-A modern behavioral program, which has been partially implemented county-wide, was presented by teachers to the board. The program focuses on positive reinforcement of good behaviors, rather than punishment, and makes clear the distinction between major and minor behavioral infractions.
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