Rouse treated unfairly, some G-C parents contend

GREENFIELD — The contract of Greenfield-Central volleyball coach Rita Rouse was not renewed at the G-C School Board meeting Monday, and a number of parents on hand weren’t happy about it.

Rouse’s supporters were responding to what they felt were unfair accusations by her detractors.

Rouse was head coach of the Cougars for three years and earlier this fall, toward the end of what would ultimately be her final season, multiple parents met with Rouse and administrators to discuss issues they had with the coach. Two disgruntled parents spoke with the Daily Reporter last week, but they declined to speak publicly about the source of their displeasure with Rouse, who is a teacher at Morristown Elementary and previously coached at Morristown High School and Marian University.

Parents and other family members of approximately 15 volleyball players attended Monday’s meeting. They had plenty to say, but were unable to speak before the board. The corporation has a strict policy that prohibits public statements from anyone not already approved and on the agenda. 

Afterward, though, Cindy Bradley, whose daughter is on the team, called Rouse “the most positive coach ever.” 

“She encourages the girls constantly,” she said. “It’s constant — telling them how great they are, she knows they’re going to go far.”

Greenfield Superintendent Linda Gellert said that all parents’ complaints about Rouse were fully investigated, and G-CHS principal Steve Bryant said Tuesday, “I, as an administrator, feel like we made the right decision.”

Bryant declined to comment further. 

Tuesday evening, Rouse said that, after careful consideration, she decided to move past the allegations against her, rather than engage the complaining parents in further back-and-forth.

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