Terminating an employee by phone is inexcusable

I do not know Cedar Rapids Jefferson softball coach Larry Niemeyer or Principal Chuck McDonnell. I do, however, understand effective leadership.

During 35 years of administrative experience, I did terminate employees. We always sat down face-to-face and worked through it. The meetings were never fun but were conducted in an appropriate manner. Obviously, this was not the case in Coach Niemeyer's termination.

To terminate an employee with more than 30 years of experience, or one month's for that matter, by phone is inexcusable. It demonstrates an utter lack of courage and professionalism. Is this the administrative philosophy of the Cedar Rapids school system? I assume Superintendent David Benson was aware of this termination, given Coach Niemeyer's reputation. If he wasn't aware, why not? And, should the Board of Education investigate this philosophy?

We should expect so much more from our school leadership.

Bob Burnes

Cedar Rapids