MORRISVILLE SCHOOLSCoach's resignation on hold
Posted: Thursday, September 22, 2011 5:00 am | Updated: 6:46 am, Thu Sep 22, 2011.
The defensive coordinator of Morrisville’s football team isn’t out of a job just yet.
Despite submitting resignation papers following an alleged incident during a game almost two weeks ago, Jason Bresnen’s resignation is apparently on hold, for now.
The Morrisville School District directors decided at Wednesday’s agenda meeting that they needed to personally speak to Bresnen, who was present at the meeting, before making any official decision on the coach’s future with the football team, which has struggled to an 0-3 start this season.
The directors removed two agenda items from next week’s school board meeting pertaining to the controversy: the acceptance of Bresnen’s resignation and the approval of the appointment of a new assistant football coach.
The Bulldogs’ assistant coach was accused of telling his team that he would pay $100 to anyone who knocked a specific New Hope-Solebury player out of the game during New Hope’s 29-6 win on Sept. 10.
Bresnen, a Morrisville Bulldog football player in the mid-1990s, resigned amid the allegations.
After Wednesday’s meeting, Bresnen said the district administration gave him two choices: resign with the possibility of returning next year or be terminated.
All he wants is the opportunity to provide his side of the story because he believes his statement to the football players was taken out of context. Bresnen added that he’s unsuccessfully requested meetings with school officials.
“I just want a fair shake,” he said. “Everything has been lopsided.”
The alleged incident took place during the second half of the game. Sideline officials made up of New Hope parents who were working the yardage chains overheard a statement they reported to be from Bresnen, placing a $100 bounty on the head of a prominent New Hope player. The parents working on the sideline took the issue to New Hope-Solebury’s athletic department, which contacted Morrisville administrators on Sept. 12. Bresnen’s resignation followed on Sept. 14.
Bresnen told the newspaper, “I told them that if you continue to hit (the player) and gang tackle him, I’ll bet you $100 that we will wear him down.”
The school directors’ decision came with some persuasion — a packed meeting room of Bresnen supporters who requested that the coach’s resignation be rescinded and put back on the sidelines to coach the team that misses him.
“Hardworking, dedicated, passionate and talented are all qualities that Morrisville looks for in their teachers, students and coaches. As a football coach, Jason Bresnen possesses all of these qualities and more. In the 20 plus years that I have known Jason, he has bled for the blue and gold,” said Peter Neely, an offensive and defensive line coach for the varsity team.
One supporter said it was a shame that Bresnen hasn’t received more support from the school district, which has blindly taken New Hope’s word without looking into the matter. Another said the controversy is based on “hearsay” and there’s no “absolute fact” that Bresnen said what he’s being accused of saying.
Nicole Piscopo-Carr told the board: “For those of you who know him know that coaching is his greatest passion. However, now because of a motivational speech he gave to his boys, who he cares for and respects, that passion was ripped away because of a comment, mind you all, that was made by a parent from the opposing team that was working the chains. What an example our superintendent and principal have set for our students with the decision.”
Kelly Colon told the directors, “This board and administration have cast a light on our school once again in a negative manner.”
Another supporter said the football program is headed in a good direction and that’s partially because of Bresnen’s coaching and connection with his players.
School directors or administration officials weren’t available for comment following the meeting because they quickly went into executive session.
29 comments:
http://myplay.com/videos/roy-orbison/roy-orbison-running-scared-monument-concert-1965
Sneak footage from last night's meeting???
Check the comments. Sure to be more.
5 comments:
dawgs posted at 9:58 am on Thu, Sep 22, 2011.
Posts: 1 I am glad that Coach Bresnen has finally had the chance to have his side of the story heard. He was backed into a corner and force to resign which he did for the best interest of the football program. Now that the real story has come out of the horses mouth he finally has the backing of the school board which he deserves. I have know Coach Bresnen for 20 plus years and he is a key player in re-building the MHS football program. The word " Bounty" would never come out of his mouth and his comment was completely taken out of context.. He is all about Morrisville and what is best for the football program. Last weeks media circus was a disgrace!!! This was a situation that should of been resolve behind closed doors. To have his wife and 2 young daughters wake up to every local news station camped out on their front lawn was absurd... Coach Bresnen has the support of the town and we will not stop fighting for him til her is reinstated and back on the football field when he belongs!!!!
Log In to report.Link pajmf1 posted at 9:38 am on Thu, Sep 22, 2011.
Posts: 31 "The alleged incident took place during the second half of the game. Sideline officials made up of New Hope parents who were working the yardage chains overheard a statement they reported to be from Bresnen, placing a $100 bounty on the head of a prominent New Hope player."
Based on this information, I assume that only those working the chain gang heard what the coach is alleged to have said. What I find puzzling is that not one PIAA official working the game heard anything like that. My father has been a PIAA softball umpire and basketball referee for over 35 years. If he heard anything even remotely resembling what was allegedly said, the coach would have been ejected immediately. I believe the coach.
Log In to report.Link Morrisville_Knucklehead posted at 9:19 am on Thu, Sep 22, 2011.
Posts: 1 Firstly why were opposing team parents even allowed on the sideline of the opponent. As an athlete for most of my life in various levels of sports this in my eyes is a problem in and of itself. If they are reporting alleged allegations back to their team who knows what else they were reporting. Could there be a high school football Spy Gate happening? Secondly Coach Bresnen did resign with dignity it is the reporters who are camped out on his front lawn and harrassing his wife and children that are not letting it die in the local media and the citizens and fellow coaches and team members who understand that he should at least have a fair chance to explain himself that are keeping it alive with the schoolboard.
Log In to report.Link Diretto posted at 8:59 am on Thu, Sep 22, 2011.
Posts: 1 Being a teacher for almost 10 years you would be surprised how many parents lie in order to push their kids ahead. Since you are just "betting" on the circumstances you don't know what really happened either. It is all hearsay. Posting without knowing exactly what happend... Who's really the knucklehead?
Log In to report.Link Jimmy Bradley posted at 7:46 am on Thu, Sep 22, 2011.
Posts: 207 Only a knucklehead from Morrisville would stretch this out longer so as to completely dominate the team. No discussions this year about the Running backs, Quarterback, or the defense. Instead it will be about the Bounty and the whether the coach did or didn't say these things.
In all honesty why would New Hope Solebury parents lie. I am betting that these comments were made within 5 feet of these parents and they "misunderstood". Resign with Dignity or be fired in disgrace.
It's pretty darn sad when the most competent thing this board and admin does with a bus is throw people under one.
This is once again not the kind of front page news Morrisville needs.
Getting the the bare bones of this is that nobody knows what was said but the coach and the kids. "why would New Hope Solebury parents lie." Really asking this? We don't know that do we? Why would any parent lie, obviously there could be more reasons for this than could be imagined. Did these parents tell the truth? Only the parents, themselves, know this answer. Get what I'm saying?! We just don't know.
Did the guy use a poor choice of words to motivate his team - I have no idea and I really don't care because its football.
I'm sure in the history of playing high school football kids from the Morrisville team have have been treated poorly and have treated others poorly, its football.
The bigger question to me is that of spending more time on this issue than it deserves, which is what I see happening. In my eyes, there just has to be more important news out there. Even if the comment was made, let's face it, it was taken way out of context. Its football, its brutal, its dirty, its full of things you don't want to repeat to your grandma - its football. Won't be the first or last time someone talked crap about someone from another team during a football game - MOVE ON!
I may have to send what is written directly above to the opinion section of the BCCT.
"It's pretty darn sad when the most competent thing this board and admin does with a bus is throw people under one."
Very well done to the writer of this comment.
Funny how the board is going to table it and have more discussion. Let me remind you that this is an election year for them. The meeting was filled with people last night. Of course the will table it to make it look like they are doing the right thing, but in the end the coach will not get his job back.
The gang that simultaneously can't shoot straight and shoots first and asks questions later -- if at all. What a combo.
No more years!
No more years!
never understimate the power of a parent or community member and especially that of a voter
Bring up all your concerns at the next superintendent meeting Wed. Oct 12 at 7 pm in the LGI. By then the public furor will have died down, the crowds dwindled, with no videotape record of anything said. Divide and conquer, that's the strategy. Ask the people concerned about the Grandview basketball court how things went at the Sept 14 superintendent meeting. Not so good.People are catching on: this board-admin isn't what they portray themselves to be.
There's a huge trust and credibility gap that seems to grow bigger each passing day.
Ability, competence, leadership, those intangible things are that make you feel you're being listened to and things are in good hands? The Board/Admin has definitely brought these things into question.
For starters, can we at least get some better School Board representation? A couple or 4 seats at the 9 seat table?
The 9/21 board mtg is on the web now
http://www.mv.org/videos.cfm
Board + Ferrara were rightfully criticized over the handling of the Coach Bresnan matter.
Great to see and hearpeople not normally seen or heard at board meetings. Please please please keep coming!!! They tuned out the frequent fliers even before Day 1. What a shame because they've ignored many good comments and suggestions.
Hellman, how small, rude, condescending, and dismissive can a person get? The world may never know.
No more years
No more years
No more years !!!!!
and sound improvements are not educational !!!!!!!!!!!
Shoe Saleswoman: Buy these shoes, they'll stretch.
Customer: Take this check, it'll bounce.
Huh, can't hear you, what's that you say, the auditorium sound upgrades cost 1 Wandling ($25000), but we can't swing it?
Is this mic on?
Also available for weddings and Bar Mitzvahs.
I'm here all night, don't forget to tip your waiters and waitresses.
Try the Veal?
Buddy Ryan would be proud.
I must mildly mention the middling maneuvers of milquetoast middlemen to manifest modest moderation to the madness
Ya think Morrisville is ready for this too????
NEWTOWN
Valet parking plan shifts forward
By GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Staff writer Calkins Media, Inc. | 0 comments
The future of a proposed valet parking service geared to help boost business in Newtown’s commercial district is now mostly in the hands of Newtown Corp., whose mission is to promote economic development in the borough and nearby Newtown Township.
During a Thursday special meeting at Newtown Borough hall, council unanimously voted in favor of having a valet parking service to help local businesses with the lack of customer parking along State Street. But before the pilot program can officially take off, Newtown Corp. officials will need to sort some paperwork and provide it to the borough since the group has agreed to be the legally responsible party on behalf of State Street businesses. There were no representatives from Newtown Corp. at the meeting.
Council approved for 40 spots to be designated for valet parking from the 75 spaces at the Centre Avenue parking lot, which the borough leases from local developer Allan Smith.
The outstanding paperwork includes a signed licensed agreement between the Newtown Corp. and the borough, a resolution from the group authorizing a representative to sign that agreement, and a signed service contract between Newtown Corp. and the valet parking company. In addition, Newtown Corp. and the valet parking company need to provide insurance indicating that the borough is covered under their policies.
Other unresolved issues are getting the borough’s zoning officer to sign off on the temporary signage, and the police chief’s final approval of the proposed drop-off and pick-up location at Washington Avenue and State Street. Under the borough’s conditional approval, the chief can shut down the service if he deems it to be a safety concern, council President Julia Woldorf said after the meeting.
If all that is taken care of, the four-month trial will start immediately, said Erica Darragh, general manager at the Temperance House restaurant, who has taken the lead on the proposal. The valet parking would be provided Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Darragh has been doing most of the legwork and dealing with Newtown, Newtown Corp., the valet company and the surrounding businesses. But that effort might just come to an end, she told council, because she’s frustrated with the tense relationship between the borough and Newtown Corp., which she believes is putting a damper on the progress of the parking service.
Before casting his vote, Councilman Mike Sellers said he fully supported the valet parking initiative, but he had reservations with Newtown Corp. being the responsible party, because of the group’s spending since 2009, among other concerns.
Darragh said besides Newtown Corp., no other community or business group has stepped up to the plate to be the responsible party needed to sign the required legal paperwork.
Councilman Perry Warren pointed out to Darragh that the representative from Newtown Corp. “didn’t bother to come” to the meeting as the responsible party.
Borough solicitor Paul Cohen said he hasn’t been in contact with the Newtown Corp. board of directors regarding the issues; his only contact has been Paul Salvatore, who is the former interim executive director and volunteer of the group. Cohen added that he’s unaware as to who is the group’s lawyer and has been in contact with Salvatore under the assumption that he has the Newtown Corp.’s board approval.
Salvatore is a Republican council candidate this November. Sellers is up for re-election under the Democratic ticket.
Thursday’s special meeting was called at the Sept. 6 council meeting for this particular issue, in the hopes that all the needed paperwork would be completed and council would vote, so it wouldn’t have to wait until the October meeting and businesses could advertise the valet parking for the upcoming holiday season.
I watched the video of the 9/21 meeting. Starting at about 3:00 in, the DVHS Tech Bus reps speak.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "extremely low" and 10 bring "supremely high", how would you rate your confidence level that there won't be any more DVHS Tech bus troubles this year?
I give it a charitable 1.3
Caveat Emptor
That's Latin for "my caveat is empty"
No, that's not right, it's "let the buyer beware"
Hellmann sez one more mess up and they're done (DVHS). Breach of contract.
Define "mess up".
4 years in, I'm not sure he knows what the term means.
A speaker (@ 20:50) said it was brought to her attention that Ferrara made a bet during football camp about how long it will take the Varsity Football Team to fold.
WTF?
Two comments for the two most recent anonymice.
"Hellmann sez one more mess up and they're done (DVHS). Breach of contract. Define "mess up". 4 years in, I'm not sure he knows what the term means."
"Mess up" defines items that they don't like. Items they like are "business as usual" and we should just cooperate. That was a crock of BS grandstanding opportunity for the CPA because he knows that the contract signed with DVHS has explicit conditions for termination.
"A speaker (@ 20:50) said it was brought to her attention that Ferrara made a bet during football camp about how long it will take the Varsity Football Team to fold."
Maybe this is why the coach's comments were hit so hard. Now, who would look at Ferrara's comments? It's like a vaccination for stupid actions.
Seriously, if this is the case, Ferrara should be treated EXACTLY the same as the coach and should resign in disgrace and let the community rally to his defense. But Ferrara is Hellmann's lapdog so nothing will happen.
"WTF?" Do not adjust your TV sets. This is Morrisville normal. Carry on and just cooperate.
Nailed it.
Oh, how you nailed it.
@ 35:40
John DeWilde extracted a commitment from the board (or at least Hellmann). He got the board, or at least Hellmann, to make a marshmallow solid commitment that if citizens want to raise funds on their own to improve the High School Auditorium, the board will accept the money and not just tell the citizenry to go pound sand.
Around here, that passes for progress.
Dewilde talks to Hellman like he's a kid who didn't finish his chores asking his dad if he can borrow the car keys.
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