North Putnam board votes to retain Vince Brooks

Vince Brooks

ROACHDALE — With many parents and students showing up in support of him, the North Putnam School Board voted to retain one of its coaches Thursday evening.

Amber Greene called for Vince Brooks to keep his positions as North Putnam High School’s boys’ varsity basketball coach and strength and conditioning coordinator, as well as the director of the school’s student-run TV program.

Greene called for the motion prior to the Pledge of Allegiance, which typically begins the board’s regular meetings. While Board Secretary Heather Lawson seconded it after Greene requested her to do so, Ron Spencer expressed concern that the motion was out of order.

While Greene was insistent that it was allowed and repeatedly called for the vote, Corporation Attorney Tyler Nichols provided that the board’s rules had to be suspended before it could take place. This was as it was not listed on the board’s agenda.

After she made a new one to suspend the rules with Spencer seconding it, the whole board concurred with Greene’s primary motion, except with Board President Joanie Knapp abstaining.

The vote came on the heels of controversy concerning Brooks. While the exact circumstances are unclear, this surrounded his contract for the 2023-24 school year not being renewed at the meeting. Greene told the Banner Graphic afterward that Brooks was not otherwise included in the personnel report.

Anger was directed at Supt. Nicole Allee, as it was put out to the community beforehand that she was behind Brooks not having any extracurricular positions as such. Brooks is also a physical education teacher.

Parent Candice Thurman stated that the controversy about Brooks had “wreaked complete havoc” on families. She further intimated at this instant that “it stops tonight,” while suggesting that the board take action to relieve Allee of her duties.

“I love these schools, but this is not going to happen anymore,” Thurman said. “It (the vote) was the right decision, right decision for the kids. But you are her boss. She needs to go.

“We need to not have to come up here upset, our children upset, over things that amount to nothing,” Thurman added. “If one person or two people can wreak the havoc on this man’s life, then I am one person and I’m going to wreak some havoc on your life.”

One parent brought a cardboard box and set it before Allee during the meeting, which appeared to reinforce the desire that she leave.

Allee noted to the Banner Graphic Friday morning that the personnel report listed only coaches for fall sports, and thus Brooks would not have been included as such. She nonetheless acknowledged strong support for the basketball team.

“As a superintendent, it’s my job to lead the district with regard and respect for all students and their well-being, social, emotional and educational, while they’re in our care,” Allee said.