March 29, 2024
Local News

Plainfield parents allege coach treats players negatively

PLAINFIELD – Several parents allege the Plainfield South High School boys basketball coach has treated their sons harshly and want him removed from his position.

A group of parents, during public comment at Monday’s Plainfield District 202 school board meeting, raised allegations against Tim Boe, varsity head coach for the Plainfield South boys’ basketball team, although they did not name him.

Board President Michelle Smith asked before public comment that, if staff or students were being spoken about, they not be named.

A mother of one of the players said the group of parents were in agreement that Boe should not continue as basketball coach, alleging he has created a “negative culture based on his punishment of the players.”

She said basketball players are kicked out of practice routinely or kicked off the team. She also said communication is poor because they are benched with no explanation.

“Our sons feel that he’s playing mind games with them and describing the environment [as] toxic, miserable and stressful, just to name a few,” she said.

The parents said they’ve been in contact with building and district administrators about the coach and shared their concerns either in person or by email.

Smith told the parents that the board members received their emails and take the allegations seriously. She said the situation is being investigated but she can’t guarantee the outcome will be what the parents want.

“Know that we are listening and we take all of those allegations seriously,” Smith said.

In response to questions about the complaints, District 202 spokesman Tom Hernandez said the district does not comment on personnel matters.

An email sent to Boe was not immediately returned Tuesday.

The parents said they’re circulating a petition, signed by parents of players who’ve played either varsity or junior varsity sports, regarding their feelings about how their sons have been treated.