Harbor Springs- John and Amy Flynn released a statement today regarding the non-renewal of their contracts by the school board.
“As high school basketball coaches, we value the sense of community that is created around sports. In response to the shocking and self-serving decision of the Superintendent to terminate both the boys and girls basketball coaches, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. We cannot express our appreciation for the hundreds of letters that have been written and the countless speeches in support of us at the school board meetings over the past month.
We want to let our supporters know that we are not done fighting to save our basketball coaching jobs at Harbor Springs High School. Our student athletes learn valuable lessons on the court and one of those lessons should be not backing down to a bully.
We are actively consulting with legal counsel in anticipation of filing a lawsuit against the Harbor Springs Superintendent, the Athletic Director, and possibly the school district for their improper handling of this situation.
We are confident that the Superintendent was motivated by self-interest and not the best interests of our school community. We also believe there has been a blatant disregard for following proper school policy in that Amy and John Flynn have been treated differently than every other coaching decision by this District.
The shocking removal of both of us by the Harbor Springs High School Administration was an abuse of power by those in charge.
Our student athletes, parents and community deserve better and a more transparent process. A Superintendent and athletic director should not destroy a program that has grown exponentially over the past four years for baseless and self-interested reasons.
Thank you for your continued support.
John and Amy Flynn"