By Mary-Justine Lanyon
It was standing-room-only in the board room at the Rim of the World Unified School District office for the Dec. 18 meeting.
Following the election of the officers for the next year – with Cindy Gardner elected as president and Dr. Bill Mellinger as clerk – the floor was opened for public comment on items on the closed session agenda.
Speaker after speaker then came to the microphone to praise Audra Scopen, the Rim High tennis coach.
Apparently at a special board meeting held on Dec. 9, the tennis coach had been criticized in a presentation by the athletic director.
“I watched my daughter’s skill and confidence increase,” said Desma Nikas, whose daughter was on the tennis team for four years. “That was the work of a strong and capable coach.” She added the coach’s approach was that any player could join the team, whether they were brand new or had many years of experience. “She treats the players with respect. And her impact on the players goes beyond the game,” Nikas added.
Other speakers who said they had known the tennis coach for years described her as “sweet, kind, caring and 100 percent honest.”
Jason Brooks spoke with his son JJ by his side to say “how important this individual is to my son. She is the only reason he has a diploma. Other districts gave up on him. I have never seen anyone else care about their kids the way this person does.” To that JJ added, “She helped me a lot.”
“I have known the tennis coach since she was a child,” said Barbara Harding. “She is one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever encountered. She is honest and straightforward.”
Jennifer Nicholls, who co-teaches with Scopen, said Scopen had experienced “emotional trauma last year with the athletic director.” She said complaints had been lodged against him for which there is evidence, although “everyone is saying there has been exoneration. Last week’s board meeting was a direct retaliation against Audra. The community doesn’t know what’s being done to the girls’ sports teams at our school.”
Dave Ficke then spoke in support of the athletic director, Ryan Reisbord. “I’ve worked with the athletic director ever since he came on. Why are we here? Why can’t we just move on? Let Ryan go back to his job; he’s done an excellent job.” Ficke went on to say that being put on administrative leave is a “death sentence. Ryan has been determined to be not guilty – take away that death sentence.”
The final speaker was Alicia Wilson, who said her sister “has done everything to support her student athletes.” She then asked everyone in the room who was there to support Audra Scopen to stand.
In closed session after the regular board meeting, the trustees voted unanimously to reassign certificated employee #2434. No further information was offered by the district but Shelly Black, who had been at the meeting in support of Reisbord, said she understands this referred to him and that he is being removed from the position of athletic director and reassigned to the classroom.
Kaylee Bunyea (holding her award) with her family at the board of trustees meeting.
GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
“Every school district that surrounds us receives thousands of dollars more per student,” said Trustee Jordan Zarate. “It’s not fair. It’s hard to live in the mountains with increased costs and more natural disasters the students have to contend with.”
Trustee Scott Craft commented on how sad this division is, with people asking others to take sides. “I’ve been part of the community a long time. We have so many wonderful coaches, staff and teachers at our schools. I hope we can find a way to heal from this – it’s not healthy.”
“We listen to everyone,” said Clerk Dr. Bill Mellinger, “Some of you might not think that’s true.”
And President Cindy Gardner pointed to the tennis team, the Rim High art gallery, the drama programs at MPH and Rim High and the wrestling program as things to be proud of.
Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano noted the district’s “commitment to giving our students more voice. They can tell us a lot about their needs.” In recent conversations, he learned the MPH students would like a wellness center on their campus. And the students want increased club activities based on their interests, not necessarily sports. They would also like increased opportunities for STEM hands-on learning and more small group instruction as they feel they learn well in that environment.
A California Expanded Learning Innovative Leadership award was presented to Kaylee Bunyea, who has spearheaded the district’s ELOP (Expanded Learning Opportunities Program) program. “Kaylee has weathered every condition on the mountain and has remained steadfast in commitment to students, families and the community,” the presenter from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools said. “When the path was unclear, she helped illuminate the way forward. ELOP is not just a program; it is a promise fulfilled.”
“I am truly honored,” Bunyea said, “I have truly enjoyed the last two-and-a-half years, building the program. Students love coming because of their relationships with the staff.”
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