Lawson’s Removal As Girls Basketball Coach Sparks Community Debate
 | Author:
Linda Kent, MT43 News Correspondent
MT43 News Correspondent |
Lawson’s Removal as Girls Basketball Coach Sparks Community Debate
Linda Kent
MT43 News Correspondent
Townsend Schools Trustees’ 3-2 vote in May against renewing David Lawson’s contract as head high school girls basketball coach led to questions from the community and educators about the board’s priorities during the board’s June 10 meeting. Lawson’s contract renewal had the support of both Broadwater High School Principal Sheri Heavrin and BHS Athletic Director John O’Dell. Board members Adam Brakefield, Jason Kool, and board vice chair Chase Ragen voted against the renewal. Vanessa Flynn and board chairman Jason Noyes voted for.
Following the May meeting, views of the video on the school’s website were significant enough to crash the school’s video file. The May and June meetings were made available on the Townsend K12 Schools YouTube channel. Many community members turned to social media to air their thoughts on the matter.
At the board’s June meeting. Superintendent Brad Racht asked the community and board to keep discourse about heated issues civil.
“I understand with school leadership there’s going to be disagreement,” Racht said. “I just really ask for people to have respect for people as individuals and just express discontent with the decisions that were made.”
This was not the first time Lawson had found himself in the hot seat. In May 2024, the board also debated whether Lawson should continue in the position, again, despite Heavrin and O’Dell’s support. Following a heated discussion, mostly between O’Dell and Board Vice Chairman Chase Ragen, the board voted 3-2 to retain Lawson as coach.
At that time, O’Dell expressed his concern that the chain of command – that concerns about coaches should be first addressed to the athletic director and high school principal as coaches’ direct supervisors, had not been followed.
Those sentiments were echoed in June by longtime Townsend educator Lisa Larson.
“Over 30 years ago, when I signed my first teaching contract with Townsend Schools, I was reminded of the importance of the chain of command,” Larson told the board. “The chain of command exists to ensure that those with the appropriate training and experience – our superintendents and principals and athletic directors – are able to lead the district effectively. These individuals are entrusted to evaluate staff, provide informed recommendations to the board, and guide our school community with daily hands-on leadership.”
Larson referred to the number of community members and administrators who spoke in favor of retaining Lawson as girls basketball coach at the May meeting, and noted there were none who spoke against his retention.
“Yet, when the time came to vote, those voices and professional assessments were disregarded by three board members,” Larson said. “During the motion and subsequent vote, it became very apparent that the decision had been made long before the meeting had begun.”
“I am beyond disappointed in the decisions and the direction our district is headed,” Larson continued. Referring to an unnamed board member who she suggested was targeting a staff member, she said, “When will this end? Who will be next? When can our dedicated staff feel safe, respected, and supported by all board members?”
County resident Pam McDonald shared Larson’s concerns about board members’ support of administrators and staff.
“As an outsider watching the community’s May meeting, I felt I needed to come tonight to address the board,” Pam McDonald told the board. “As I watched the May meeting, it became clear that only two of the current board members listened to the administration and teachers. The administration and teachers are individuals who live with our kids daily and walk the walk every day. I’m concerned that there are members of this board who do not listen to the individuals closest to the issues at hand. Furthermore, I am concerned that the fallout might have long-lasting impact on others resigning, unfilled vacancies, or even failed mill levies. I urge you to listen to your teachers and administrators who live with your kids daily.”
Since Larson's and McDonald’s statements were made during the public comment section of the meeting, the board made no response and took no action.
