By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
TRENTON — The search for a varsity football head coach will start from scratch following criticism from the community and Trenton Public Schools trustees who questioned the hiring process.
Former Trustee Michael Hawkins was announced as the new coach on the district’s athletics website April 23. Three days later at a lengthy board meeting, trustees unanimously agreed to open an investigation into the allegations of impropriety with the hiring process of Hawkins which was conducted by Athletic Director James Trush.
On April 30, Supt. Douglas Mentzer posted a letter to the TPS community saying that after listening to concerns and meeting with the Trenton High School administration, it became necessary to undertake a more extensive review of the head football coach hiring process
“In the end, it became clear that there may have been irregularities in the process that impacted the outcome,” Mentzer said. “First and foremost, on behalf of TPS, I extend a sincere apology to our candidates who have proven their passion for the game and their love for Trenton. Our intent was not to cause anyone duress. However, as the superintendent, who is ultimately responsible for the hiring of all TPS staff.”
Mentzer also said he made the decision to repost the position and start the search over. He encouraged all previous candidates to apply.
In addition to Hawkins, the other candidates who initially applied for the vacant position were Aaron Segedi and Bill Miller. Hawkins is a lieutenant with the Trenton Police Department where he has served since 2001 and former board member after resigning March 18.
Miller said he has coached flag football, seventh grade, ninth grade, junior varsity, varsity, Division 3 college football, NAIA college football, Division 1 college football. Segedi worked as assistant coach for the varsity football team under former coach Bob Czarnecki who resigned creating the vacancy.
Mentzer called Trenton a wonderful, tight-knit community.
“The recent upheaval does not represent who we are as a school district and community,” he said in his letter. “I’ve dedicated my entire career to this district and our kids. The recent football coach hiring process and initial decision have created a situation where community members are openly attacking friends, neighbors, and other TPS staff who are committed to each other.”
According to Mentzer ’s letter, the Trenton High School administration will be conducting the process that will start with a search committee and include community members, parents, staff, administrators, students and coaches.
“With this change, I am imploring our community to come together and support the next step for our athletes and the football program,” he said. “In the end, most simply, this is about our kids and we have to
work together to give them everything that they deserve.”
The first interview process included two hiring committees that had district administrators, Trush, coaches within the district, a special education director and resource officer.
Richard Lee, a middle school teacher said what he experienced as a member of the interview committee for the varsity head football coach was shocking and infuriating.
“It was very clear this interview process was not fair, equitable or transparent,” he said at the April 2 board meeting. “The way it all played out left most of us feeling uncomfortable and feeling like the system was rigged for a certain person.”
Multiple board members suggested hiring a human resources director could help prevent similar issues moving forward in the future and that they would want to include coaching positions for approval under personnel changes on their agendas.
The school board scheduled a special workshop meeting at 5:30 p.m. May 10 on the district’s hiring process and procedures for all employees, prior to its regular meeting.
For information on the school board’s meetings go to www.trentonschools.com.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)