News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Former Outlaws girls soccer coach Nik Goertzen is suing the Sisters School District and three Sisters citizens. Goertzen's contract as a coach was not renewed for this school year. Last season he coached the Outlaws to an appearance in the state championship game. Goertzen was named league and state coach of the year in 2012.
The suit alleges that Goertzen's "termination without cause was wrongful and in violation of his right to continue his employment with the school district unless removed for good cause."
Goertzen was not actually terminated from his position; his contract was not renewed. Coaches are "at-will" employees of the district.
Goertzen's suit accuses parents Lisa Young and Dan and Cheryl Stewart of attacking his "competence and character," influencing Principal Joe Hosang's decision to end Goertzen's tenure as a soccer coach. Cheryl Stewart serves on the Sisters School Board. The Stewarts did not return a call seeking comment on the suit. Lisa Young declined to comment.
Superintendent Jim Golden told The Nugget, "The district believes that Mr. Goertzen's allegations against the district are without merit. We are disappointed that precious resources must be spent to defend such frivolous allegations. Other than that, we cannot comment on current or pending litigation..."
Golden referred further inquiries to the district's insurance company.
The suit seeks $18,000 in economic damages from the school district and more than $200,000 total in non-economic damages from Young and the Stewarts.
Last school year, Principal Hosang instituted an evaluation survey on coaches and programs for parents of students participating in athletics. The district is also developing evaluation protocols and codes of conduct in an effort to define and make consistent Outlaws sports culture. The district this year hired a new athletic director to oversee Outlaws sports and fundraising efforts.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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