School board takes coaching job from Price

McKinley High School's head basketball coach was replaced by an assistant.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- The board of education has decided to keep Ron Price on as athletic director, but it fired him as the head boys high school basketball coach.
The board took the unanimous vote Thursday, despite a number of Price's supporters' trying to get the board to keep him in his coaching job.
As athletic director, Price will be paid $6,815 annually. He is being replaced as hoops coach by Richard Kover, one of Price's assistants for eight years, who will be paid $4,718 for the season.
Price, who had an 84-71 record over eight years, declined to comment after the meeting.
Board President Marlene Rhodes declined to comment about why Price's coaching contract wasn't renewed, other than to say they were separate contracts.
Superintendent Rocco D. Adduci said the board has had a change in policy that doesn't allow the athletic director to be a coach of any athletic team.
Adduci said the athletic director's job is too big for an individual who also is a coach and teacher. Price teaches two math classes.
Voicing support
Price's supporters spoke loudly on his behalf, some suggesting one board member wanted him relieved of his coaching duties because a relative didn't get much playing time under Price.
Brian McConnell, junior varsity basketball coach, pointed out that Price has taken the basketball team to two district final games in the past four seasons.
He called on board members to put their "personal agendas" aside and keep Price on as coach, a move that he said would be in the best interest of the students.
Sam Reigle, a 10-year girls soccer coach in the school district, said Price has maintained his professionalism, been a role model, and has the highest respect of the students and community.
Reigle said Price should be allowed to maintain both contracts as coach and athletic director because he has done nothing to deserve the board's action.
Rich Palumbo, a former football coach, was among those who asserted Price's coaching contract wasn't renewed because some board members "have a personal ax to grind."
One resident said that Price is the best coach the district has ever had and that the jobs of coach and athletic director shouldn't be separated.
Another resident said the board should attend sporting events so they can see the job their coaches are doing.
yovich@vindy.com