Online Petition Created to Support Chris Olsen

An online petition has been created to bloster support for Wayne Hills Athletic Director Chris Olsen keeping both of his jobs with the district.

The Wayne Board of Education approved a prohibiting school administrators from coaching sports teams or actng as advisors to extra-curricular clubs.

Olsen, who has won eight state sectional champsionships as head coach of the school's football team, will have to choose in what capacity he wishes to continue working in the district. The policy goes into effect July 1.

The policy states that “any situation requiring decisions as to action taken in extenuating circumstances as it pertains to an athletic team, co-curricular, or extra-curricular club are made by a member of the school district’s administrative or supervisory staff. As such, a member of the district’s administrative or supervisory staff cannot serve as his/her own supervisor.”

The full text of the petition reads:

"The Wayne BOE has approved a new policy which prohibits Administrators and Supervisors from Coaching sports teams or acting as advisors of any district athletic, co-curricular or extra curricular activity. 

This decision would mean that Coach Olsen would have to decide if he will remain as the Athletic Director or Football Coach. The Athletic Director at WV must also make a similar decision.

Clearly this ruling was made as a reaction the events of this last fall.The BOE was criticized and now makes this decision to make it appear that they are being proactive but they are just trying to repair their reputation. This is the same Board who just a few years ago decided that it would be fine for a person to operate in both capacities. This new ruling would not change the events of the situation of last fall as the coach did not act as his own supervisor but followed the supervision of the Acting Superintendent and the BOE. 

Whether or not you agree with this new policy, it is unfair to put into place now while each of these individuals hold both positions. This forces these individuals to make a decision they should not be forced to make. When they took these positions, there was no way for them to know that they would one day have to give one up. At the very least, there should be a provision made to allow them to continue in their duties as both coach and AD. It unfair to make someone choose between something that they love and are passionate about and something that makes financial sense.

Please sign this petition to keep Coach Olsen in both his role as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, 2 positions in which he is absolutely the most qualified!"

Click here to read the petition.