In order to preserve the integrity of a fair and consistent evaluation process, we are requesting that Ed Schindler be offered the position as the 2017 Head Football Coach of Elk Rapids Schools with an evaluation and improvement plan put into place by the Athletic Director.

• Past practices have included an annual evaluation and a meeting with the Athletic Director to discuss the evaluation. When a coaching concern/problem was identified, the Athletic Director communicated with the coach, included concerns in the evaluation, provided an improvement plan and given the coach a season to make sought after improvements. This practice was not utilized for Ed Schindler. Rather he was told abruptly that the school would not be offering him the Head Football Coach position for the 2017 season (however, he was asked to stay on as the Track & Field Coach). 
• As Head Football Coach at Elk Rapids, Ed Schindler has received 10 consecutive stellar evaluations from the Athletic Director. No evaluation was completed for the 2016 season.
• Ed Schindler took a program that had had only 4 winning seasons in 23 years to the Playoffs 7 times in 11 years. As the Elk Rapids Head Coach, he was awarded Region 2 Coach of the year 4 times and TC Record Eagle Dream Team Coach of the Year. Other coaches in the conference and around the state recognize his strength as a coach as evidenced by an outpouring of support and offers to coach for other schools.
• Despite meetings with the Athletic Director and Superintendent, no compelling criteria were communicated to Ed Schindler indicating why his football coaching skills are no longer a fit with the Elk Rapids Football Program and require that he immediately be released as a football coach rather than following past procedures.
• Without integrity in the fair and consistent evaluation process, the entire district suffers because of issues like low morale, operating in fear of losing one's job, inability to hire and retain the best employees, coaches, etc. because no one wants to work in an environment where someone can be terminated for unknown reasons.

Our family moved to Elk Rapids in 2006 and has done what we can to support the school, football program and community. We are asking for your support, not to be treated differently but, rather, to be treated in a way consistent with past practices. This would mean Ed Schindler is offered a contract to be the 2017 Head Football Coach with an evaluation and improvement plan put into place and an opportunity to make the changes desired by the Athletic Director. Anything other than this solution, does not adequately address maintaining the integrity of fair and consistent evaluation practices. Simply put, we believe this is the fair and right way to treat all employees. Thank you!