Brown's firing was disappointing

To the Editor:

I was very disappointed to read of the recent action that our board of education took with regard to the retention of Coach Jim Brown as athletic director for Poplar Bluff High School.

I was fortunate to be a member of the R-1 School Board in 1989 when Coach Brown was hired. He along with Coaches Paul Webber and Mark Barousse became instrumental in reviving our ailing high school football program.

Coach Brown remained in Poplar Bluff, raised his family here, and became an important part of our community. Among the long list of good things he has done for our school system would be his development of a strength program for our athletes and non-athletes. This program has received national recognition.

I am a lifelong resident of Poplar Bluff and formerly a member of the R-1 School Board for nine years. I've not known anyone who had a greater interest in our student athletes than Coach Jim Brown. He is a credit to his profession.

Thank you.

Jay Githens

Poplar Bluff, Mo.