Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for February 15, 2007 INTERVENTION

With the assistance of an invited member of the IHSA Board of Directors, the Cairo family sat down last night to confront behavior that jeopardizes the continued participation of student athletes in IHSA sanctioned events.

Attendance was sparse, probably due to the weather (cold and blustery) and the occasion...Valentine's Day. This was noted by Superintendent Whitledge as he convened the meeting (although the attendance probably doubled as the evening progressed.) Superintendent Whitledge indicated that since the regional high school boys' basketball tournament started next week - at Meridian - there was little choice but to proceed...in an effort to avoid a repeat of what transpired at the last Cairo-Meridian basketball game.

The size of the audience did nothing to detract from the intensity of emotion brought to the meeting. Both "sides" of the family dispute were aired thoroughly in an emotion-filled meeting that lasted almost two hours.

The meeting...

CSD #1 Superintendent Gary Whitledge made the "opening remarks and introductions".

(As you can see from the agenda below), James Woodward was recognized for some opening remarks. Mr. Woodward paid respect to Cairo's coaches and athletes, recognizing them for their exemplary behavior during the "incident" at the latest Cairo-Meridian game. (Later in the meeting, Mr. Woodward, in response to a member of the audience's question about punishment imposed on a Cairo player whose mother was struck by a thrown bottle, remarked that the punishment - ejection from the game and suspension from the following game - was of an "automatic" nature, in accordance with the rules of IHSA. He remarked that the suspension could have been appealed and very likely would have been overturned due to the extenuating circumstances...a young man's concern for the well-being of him mother. However, he noted, that issue became moot when the player removed himself from the team.) Mr. Woodward stressed that the issue that was bringing attention to Cairo - rightly or wrongly - was the behavior of Cairo's fans. He indicated - again, rightly or wrongly - that these fans reflected upon the school and that the school was going to have to take "ownership" of that behavior...or face the consequences. Mr. Woodward concluded his opening remarks by stressing the importance of Cairo's fans using "peer control"...fans monitoring their own behavior and the behavior of those around them in the stands. He recommended moving away from fans exhibiting bad behavior, to isolate such fans in hopes that they would sense their inappropriate conduct and stop, or at the very least become easily identifiable for action by school or law-enforcement officials.

Cairo Board of Education President Joe Griggs was introduced next. Mr. Griggs informed/reminded the audience that he and four fellow Board members had run for office six years ago committed to a platform to improve education, provide a safe environment, and increase parent participation...that the commitment was renewed when they ran for re-election three years ago...and that they were still working on it. Mr. Griggs noted that six years ago, negative publicity about Cairo was common...an everyday occurrence. He asked the audience...how much negativity about the schools had they heard during the past three years? When no answer was forthcoming, Mr. Griggs provided the answer...very little. Mr. Griggs emphasized, however, that all of this hard work could be wiped out by one incident of bad behavior and asked for public support in controlling fan behavior at games. Mr. Griggs concluded his remarks by noting that two votes has already been taken this school year to remove Cairo from the Black Diamond Conference (mostly for Cairo dropping football). Fortunately, these votes had fallen a vote or two short of the 75% vote needed. He indicated that it was imperative that Cairo not give the Black Diamond further reason to revisit this question, which would jeopardize Cairo's continued participation in the conference. Mr. Griggs asked the public for help...to allow our students to continue to participate.

CJSHS Executive Dean Tony Maltbia was recognized next. Mr. Maltbia opened his remarks by responding to a question raised by a member of the audience who questioned the discipline of a Cairo player alluded to by Mr. Griggs in his remarks...the player whose mother was struck by the thrown bottle. Mr. Maltbia indicated that he had spent a sleepless night following the Cairo-Meridian contest...knowing what had happened to Cairo following the Regional Tournament at Massac County years ago. Mr. Maltbia indicated that he feared that Cairo would be excluded from participation in the upcoming Regional Tournament at Meridian. He indicated that he called Springfield shortly after 8 a.m. the next morning...and received initial indication that exclusion was very likely. Mr. Maltbia indicated that this response prompted him to call James Woodward, which initiated dialogue and steps that have insured that Cairo can participate in the tournament. He then went on the stress that fan behavior can definitely affect the school and its ability to participate in future events. Mr. Maltbia emphasized that adults interested in helping needed to model proper behavior in an effort to control those prone to bad behavior. Mr. Maltbia indicated that he had met with Meridian officials this week to find out what their concerns were and to assure them that Cairo was willing to work with them to insure a positive experience at next week's tournament. He indicated that Meridian officials stated that spontaneous enthusiasm was not the problem...that they understood and accepted that fans would cheer and support the efforts of their team. The Meridian officials indicated that the problem was fans standing throughout the contest...blocking the view of other fans who might not be able to stand for long periods or simply did not want to stand for long periods...that these fans had a right to an unobstructed view for the price of their ticket. Mr. Maltbia concluded his remarks by calling on fans to work with the requirements laid out for fan behavior - not to fight it. He emphasized that these games were for the kids...don't mess it up for the kids.

Superintendent Whitledge then opened the floor for public comment.

Below is a sampling of the comments:

• Mr. Woodward asked for a point of personal privilege...to emphasize that his presence at the meeting was by Cairo invitation...that the IHSA did not "send him" to Cairo. (In other words...this meeting was a proactive effort by Cairo officials to take corrective, preventative action...not some mandate by IHSA.)

• This is the point where a member of the audience raised objection to the punishment of a Cairo player for his concern about his mother being struck by a thrown bottle...and where Mr. Woodward responded about automatic IHSA penalties, the remaining actions being at the discretion of Cairo officials.

• Another member of the audience inquired at to whether the District had a copy of the IHSA policy on behavior...so that people would know what the policy is. The response was yes...and that it was read prior to games over the past year.

• Another person stated that Cairo has been stigmatized over the years...probably stemming from its past racial problems...and now politics. He said that when you see an injustice (the mistreatment of Cairo) that District officials should react to it. This person (who was at the game) blamed Meridian officials for being aggressive against Cairo fans, while allowing similar behavior by Meridian fans. This was a "crowd pleaser", with several members of the audience applauding the comments.

• The next person recognized complained of the inconsistency in enforcing "the rules"...that fans stood during the first game and nothing was said...that Meridian fans stood during the second game and nothing was said to them, only to Cairo fans.

• Another person identified herself as one of the Cairo fans who was thrown out of the game. She indicated that the game was well played...that the problem was that Cairo fans were not told about the rule about "standing for five seconds". This fan faces a hearing at tonight's school board meeting on being barred from Cairo games for the next calendar year. She stated in her defense that she was not actually the offender...that it was people next to her...that she was trying to calm them...that she was basically in the wrong place at the wrong time. (Later, another member of the audience supported that story and offered to appear as a witness on her behalf at the BOE meeting.)

• Later, a member of the audience returned to this topic and expressed the belief that Cairo was being "set up"...that Meridian officials did not want to continue playing Cairo...were trying to create circumstances that would justify their actions. As proof...the fan who complained of the "standing" was a Meridian fan...sitting in the Meridian section. There were no complaints about Cairo fans standing...yet it was Cairo fans who were targeted and removed.

• Mr. Woodward commented on this situation by recognizing that he knew from his own personal experiences that things are not always "fair"...that officials are human and make mistakes. He expressed hope that officials did not "have it in" for Cairo and that any perceived actions were spontaneous. But...all that aside...that there were basically two choices. Take it...and respond in the appropriate manner...after the fact...by writing letters, identifying offending officials by name/number, by going through proper channels. Or...quit playing them. Misbehaving at the game was NOT an option...and would result in IHSA sanction...and no more games.

• Another person asked the question..."Why do you allow officials to provoke us wherever we go?" She alluded to an incident (that I have heard before from other sources) where Cairo fans were told that the gym would not open until 6 p.m. When Cairo fans arrived at 6 p.m., the gym was already packed with the home fans...Cairo being relegated to a corner of the gym. The person cited other offending incidents. Mr. Woodward repeated his previous admonition...follow proper procedures. Quit playing offending schools and/or report them to IHSA...that, in the instance of game officials, use the rating system available to District coaches. He also indicated that Cairo has the right to "blackball" certain officials in certain contests. But, again, follow proper channels...do not take matters into your own hands at the game. Cairo BOE member Danny Brown rose in defense of District officials, saying "Don't blame Tony...he has written officials up." These comments did not satisfy the member of the audience who in an angry tone stated "They are not fair. Look how we are treated as adults." Superintendent Whitledge stated that "When we step on someone else's floor, we have to follow their rules. We can only follow-up after the fact. As adults, we can take matters into our own hands and jeopardize the game...or let the kids play."

• CJSHS Cheerleader Sponsor Zena Madison was asked by Superintendent Whitledge whether she had anything to say. Ms. Madison recounted her own experiences as a long-time resident of Cairo...experiences as a student and as a sponsor. She acknowledged with specific examples past mistreatment of Cairo by other schools. Ms. Madison recounted her own efforts to be proactive with her cheerleaders...warning them that their conduct had to be above and beyond that expected of other groups. And despite these efforts, wrongs were committed against Cairo. However, she emphasize that demonstrating at games was going about it the wrong way...that, as previously stated, the proper reaction was to file an official written protest after the game to the proper officials. Ms. Madison stated that "They are scared of us...that's why they act the way they do." But...if we react...curse them out...it just hurts the school.

• CSD #1 Administrator Constance Williams expressed her frustration by stating "Go about it in the right way? We have! It doesn't matter...we still get penalized." Ms. Williams stated that she was at the point where she did not know what the "right way" was.

• The next person had a question..."If I control myself as a fan...what will you as school officials do to insure that we are treated more fairly? These kids need to have their 'high school years'...I had mine."

• The next person asked..."What is the game plan for next week's Regional Tournament?" Superintendent Whitledge responded by stating that the plan was for the Cairo fans to emulate the Cairo players...that they had conducted themselves properly at the Cairo-Meridian game...that we as adults needed to follow the example of our kids. He went on to state that we, as fans, should not respond without thinking about how this will affect our kids.

• Cairo BOE member Brenda Gooden stressed that it is not the players who hate each other...they get along with each other...that it is the adults who hate each other. She chastised the Cairo fans in attendance who "left your kids on the floor", stating that, in the past, Cairo fans NEVER left their kids on the floor...they stayed to the end in support.

• This drew a negative comment from a member of the audience who asserted that many of the fans who left were voluntarily removing themselves so that they would NOT do anything to jeopardize the game and Cairo's reputation...they knew themselves well...and knew they would not be able to control themselves if they stayed.

• In closing the meeting, Superintendent Whitledge asked CJSHS Dean of Students Larry Baldwin if he had anything he wanted to add. Mr. Baldwin summarized Cairo's current plight well..."We're in a tough situation...and we're going to have to take some lumps." He acknowledged the feelings of those who feel that Cairo is treated unfairly...that he had experienced it first hand. He acknowledged the advice of those who urged following proper procedure...that he had done it. Mr. Baldwin gave personal examples of his past experiences as a player and a coach...and that he knows all of the people involved...well. Mr. Baldwin re-emphasized..."We are in a touchy situation and we are going to have to "roll with it". This thing...we must do right...even if we don't want to. It has taken years to build up this program...it takes only one mistake to tear it down." He concluded with the following warning and advice: "Next week, they are expecting something...we need to surprise them."