The District 233 school board reversed its April decision not to renew Anthony Smith’s contract as a health and driver’s education teacher. Under the District 233 teachers contract, Smith would be paid $81,446 to teach during next school year.
It was unclear Tuesday night whether the board would also consider reinstating Smith as the girls coach, but a statement from the district praised Smith’s coaching ability.
“Smith is a top-level coach, who is inspiring, motivating and devoted to his players, as well as his students in the classroom,” the statement says.
“After reviewing all information and considering the views of many different stakeholders, the board is confident that this (allowing him to again teach) is the right decision for Homewood-Flossmoor students, athletes and the greater community,” according to the statement. “Our focus now is on the implementation of a comprehensive plan to remedy areas of noncompliance and to ensure agreement with IHSA rules moving forward.”
Several board members declined to comment Tuesday night on their vote.
At its April 22 meeting, the Illinois High School Association board reinstated Smith’s eligibility to coach high school sports, citing H-F’s cooperation in an IHSA inquiry into rules violations by the school.
District 233’s statement says Smith’s reinstatement by the IHSA allowed the board to reconsider its earlier decision to not renew his teaching contract.
The IHSA in February suspended Smith from coaching indefinitely, banned the team from the state tournament and forfeited all its victories during the 2013-14 season because of the school’s violations.
Smith was also under fire after the parent of an unnamed H-F player, who was no longer a starter, sued the district, alleging recruiting violations. That suit was dropped in March.
Several players followed Smith from Bolingbrook High, where he led the girls basketball team to four state championships in 12 years.
