Open Letter to Ketchikan School Board & Kayhi Administration By Ken Arriola October 05, 2014
After reading the Ketchikan Daily News editorial on the firing of Les Silva as head coach, I am profoundly disappointed, based on what I read. That the attempting to secure a last game for the program rises to the level of firing as the final outcome after what has been most assuredly the best season to date, due in no small part of the coach who has demonstrated to this community and athletes, the ability, dedication, and tenacity, necessary in garnering success, security, and appreciation for the program, not just among the coaches and athletes, but the community as a whole. I among untold others who have cheered for the progress and success of the Kings football team as we read the KDN sports reports applaud Mr. Silva and the Kayhi athletes for their achievements. I could understand the decision to terminate one's tenure if the circumstances were so egregious or unlawful as to necessitate such action, I don't see that in this case. What I'm perceiving in this instance is the possibility of personality conflicts among department heads, nothing more, I suspect that some toes may have been stepped on and someone didn't like it, and I am certain that the School Board is all too aware of the politicking that goes on in any multi-level administration. Still, in all seriousness, in this case do the actions of the head football coach and athletes warrant the upheaval of a burgeoning student athletic program by the firing of its most successful, and I suspect well respected and liked head coach, by athletes, boosters, parents and fans. It is truly unfortunate that the decision to terminate Mr. Silva was the weapon of choice implemented by the Kayhi Athletic Director and Principal. One has to ask, is this type of infliction, in administration decision making, what we would want the Ketchikan School district to be celebrated for? Even more telling is the resounding negative impact upon the entire Program, i.e. Students, parents, boosters, not to mention the other Programs throughout the State. I can only imagine the shock and dismay reverberating among coaches, players and communities with whom Mr. Silva and the Kayhi squad have built a rapport over the years. Submitting one's resignation is one thing, it says unequivocally "I'm done", but to have one's office involuntary vacated is another matter entirely. Therefore, this matter should rise to the occasion of a School Board review. I would encourage the School Board to review this unfortunate matter, meet with the principles involved, rectify this matter by reversing the firing of Mr. Silva. Please, don't let this matter fester and uproot what has taken so long to build and affect positively so many of our young. Many of you are married and from time-to-time spouses disagree on even trivial matters resulting in a spat only later after consideration to come to a consensus, I digress. If the Kayhi Admin. staff has to eat crow over this, so be it, the implications as a result of the decision reversal most assuredly will insure a more positive reconciling of this argument than the status-quo. Appreciatively, Ken Arriola
Received October 04, 2014 - Published October 05, 2014 Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:
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