Mt Vernon ISD, Two Coaches Placed on Probation By UIL

February 17, 2017 – The Mount Vernon Lady Tigers won their area basketball game Thursday night and will advance to the quarter finals with time and place to be announced. Their win comes in the hurricane of  conflict that is creating upheaval within their school district. Their coach Brad Floyd and Athletic Director Joe Thomas find themselves at odds with School Superintendent Dr. Gregg Weiss (weese). The school is under UIL scrutiny due to an investigation into a “secret account” in violation of UIL rules.

The case has been before the State Exec Committee and a meeting was held on February 15. The information regarding the case was initiated by the superintendent. In that hearing, Mount Vernon High School and the two Mount Vernon coaches were found to have violated rules related to off-season and non-school participation regulations. Coach Floyd was issued a public reprimand, three years’ probation, a suspension for the first five games of next basketball season and required additional training of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. Coach Thomas was issued a public reprimand, one-year probation and required additional training of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. Mount Vernon High School was issued a public reprimand and two years probation.

On January 5, 2017, a motion for termination of the Floyd was presented to the school board on Jan 5, 2017. No action has been taken to date by the board. The board is divided in the issue as are the 12 candidates for the three seats on the board that are on the May 6th ballot.

It all began before a packed auditorium when the Mount Vernon School Board voted 5-2 to not remove Lady Tiger Basketball Varsity and golf coach Floyd. Floyd was accused of a long list of financial and professional errors including the violation of the educational code of conduct by the Superintendent of Schools. The list was read by the superintendent during an open session of the board at the request of Floyd’s attorney.  The superintendent noted a specific bank account opened, as a non-profit organization, in the name of the basketball team. It was stated that Floyd had not kept accurate records on the account nor had he sought school approval for the account.

Floyd is not the first instructor the superintendent has asked the board to terminate due to professional errors regarding financial accusations. Mount Vernon’s Theater Arts instructor, who had served the district for a number of years and had seen success in One Act Play competitions, was terminated. More than one principal has resigned as well.

The proposed termination placed before the board was placed in jeopardy according to Floyd’s attorney based on state law regarding termination of an employee. The district is required by law to provide a specific time frame and specific steps that allow Floyd opportunity to respond to allegations including an independent hearing regarding the termination which would give Floyd opportunity to speak to the charges. Floyd could not respond to the allegations during the board meeting Thursday night. He would have had opportunity to ask for a public hearing but the board refused to give opportunity for Floyd to speak even though it was pointed out to the board that Floyd had asked for the meeting held Thursday to be open and not in executive meeting. Shortly after the observation, the board took a short break.

The Mt. Vernon School Board met a special meeting for Thursday, January 5 at 5:45 p.m. in the Auditorium to consider the termination or suspension of Mt. Vernon girls basketball Coach Brad Floyd. Floyd was accused of misusing district funds, a charge he denies.

Author: Staff Reporter

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