Cloverdale School Board votes to remove Butler as coach
CLOVERDALE -- Following months of speculation the Cloverdale School Board officially relieved John Butler of his football coaching duties on Monday evening.
Students and parents showed up in force for the second meeting in a row to voice their support of Butler.
Dan Boyd, the spokesman for the parents and students, as well as Cloverdale High School junior Robert St. John, spoke during the meeting commending Butler for his coaching ability, both on and off the field.
"He (Butler) isn't a thorn in anyone's side. If anything he's a spark plug," Boyd said. "For some of these players this will be the third coach they've had (as high school players)."
Butler recently completed his second year of coaching at CHS with a loss in the sectional semifinal for the second straight year. Butler's Clovers had a 4-18 record in his seasons at the helm.
That being said, many parents and students praised Butler as a role model, one that shows his students the meaning of leadership.
Butler was in attendance, but chose not to speak his opinion on the matter during the meeting.
"They made their mind up a long time ago," Butler told the Banner Graphic. "Officially, I'm disappointed. It's always disappointing when you lose an opportunity to do what you like doing. The school board has decided what they feel is best for their football program."
The subject of Butler's position has been a hot topic at the school board meetings for the past two months. However, during both meetings the board chose to not speak about the issue.
Six-of-seven school board members voted to approve the personnel report with board member Brian Asbury abstaining.