Kiehne supporters voice concern to school board

While the summer heat has invaded Southeast Missouri, it was a winter sport that was the focus of Tuesday night's Jackson Board of Education meeting.

Less than two weeks after Jackson High School boys basketball coach Mike Kiehne resigned, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, there was a standing-room-only crowd at the board meeting filled with parents and athletes wanting to support Kiehne. Kiehne led Jackson to a 22-5 record this season and finished his four years as head coach with a record of 56-51.

The board handles personnel matters in a closed session, so only about 10 to 15 parents and basketball players who had signed up to talk to the board were allowed to speak behind closed doors. Jackson senior guard Brad Eaton was one of the players who spoke to the board in an attempt to bring back Kiehne.

"I hope they listened to our opinions," Eaton said after leaving the session. "I feel they're voted by the people, so they should work for the people and their values for the community."

The closed session went for about 30 minutes with each person given an opportunity to express their concerns about Kiehne's resignation.

Rick Grantham, one of several parents and community supporters who think Kiehne was forced to resign, said he did not think much progress was made during the closed session.

"I don't think we accomplished anything," he said. "I think the decision was made already, and it was influenced by a few, and they failed to recognize the majority of the parents."

Athletes from fall, winter and spring sports lined Main Street behind the Board of Education Building with signs of support for Kiehne. A petition that circulated around the school and community generated more than 400 signatures in two days, with one signature coming from Jackson mayor Paul Sander, according to Eaton.

Contacted by telephone after the meeting, Kiehne was pleased to hear about his senior players' show of support.

"That right there lets you know you did things right," he said.