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Published on 10/16/1995 All articles from this issue

Bowers 'letter to the editor' for 10/18

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I am writing in response to Ann Baker's attempt to clarify the facts in order to bring to a close the coach controversy. (Baker is president of the MV-LA Union High School District Board of Trustees.)

Where Mrs. Baker received her information is unclear to me-especially regarding the phone conversation between Dr. Brazer and myself. Since the facts didn't come from me I can only assume that they came from Dr. Brazer.

That was not my conversation with him. I told him my husband was at the Baseball field. He knew we were going out of town for the fourth of July weekend, which I confirmed. Nothing was ever mentioned about calling in the morning. Mrs. Baker also refers to a meeting that Mr. Bowers canceled in June.

In actuality this meeting was canceled by Dr. Brazier's secretary stating that he had to go to an emergency meeting at the district office. Other facts that Mrs. Baker tries to clarify are also misleading. She states, "Public disclosure would invade Mr. Bower's privacy..." and "...Mr. Bowers has been silent and has made no effort to communicate with anyone in the school district."

Mr. Bowers and his attorney, Gloria Dralla, sent a letter waiving his right to confidentiality in order to make public the reason for his termination.

To this day there has been no response. Mr. Bowers and Dralla then attempted private disclosure for the reasons not to renew his contract. Dr. Brazer stated he would only tell Mr. Bowers. This meeting was canceled by Dr. Brazer on Sept. 19 because, "...upon advice of counsel they said, 'Don't do that...'"

It is very evident that Mr. Bowers has made every effort and every legal attempt, public and private, to meet with school district officials. He has been met with a closed door every time.

As for Mrs. Baker's statement about outstanding parent involvement and input in decision making, she should be advised that there is a vast amount of parents and community members that tried to be a part of this process and were turned away.

Dr. Brazer is well protected by a safety-net of laws that allows him the privilege to not be held accountable for his processes or decisions. He might not have a legal obligation, but how about a moral or ethical one?

Cheryl Bowers

wife of coach Bob Bowers