As Westside Community Schools Board of Education President, Dana Blakely, pounded the gavel to open a meeting on April 15, Social Studies Instructor and head Boys Soccer Coach John Brian watched on, knowing that questions weren’t going to be answered to the public regarding his job status on Monday.

Still, he sat alongside fellow social studies teacher Bob Brousek and in front of his entire boys soccer team.

Rumors began to spread early on the morning of Thursday, April 11, regarding Brian’s job status. In wake of these rumors, a petition was opened on Change.org which, as of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, has 1,697 signatures.

However, according to Westside school board policy and state law, a matter in regards to staff personnel cannot be addressed in a public forum, such as a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education.

As state law says in 79-1236, “the notice of possible amendment, termination, or nonrenewal and the supporting reasons shall be considered a confidential employment matter as provided in sections 79-539, 79-8,109, and 84-1410 and shall not be released to the public or news media.”

Once the meeting had been adjourned, Brian confirmed to Westside Wired and others that he was formally asked by Westside administration not to come back to the school following the 2018-19 school year, which was his 19th year in the district.

In compliance with 79-1236 in the Nebraska State Legislature, Brian was notified on April 15 of his termination. However, the law states that “if the certified employee wishes a hearing, a written request shall be sent to the secretary of the board or the administrator of the educational service unit within seven calendar days after receipt of the written notice.”

According to Brian, he will exercise his right to appeal the decision.  The law requires he receive notice of the time, date and location of the hearing at least five days in advance.