#FINNish
Update: The public comment that prompted this piece is now included at the end.
My name is Kryssie Pratt and I am a former teacher of New Albany Plain-Local Schools..
I am here today to speak in reaction to the announcement of the resignation of Brian Finn as head football coach. The community deserves to know what a detriment this loss is to the Football program, the bigger impact and implications of his resignation.
HOW I KNOW HIM:
I first met Coach Finn in 2017 when we both served on the R Factor Committee, which was a group of New Albany teachers, hand selected by their principal to work collaboratively with the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and building administrators to develop the roll out procedures, resources, and materials for the R Factor. We developed the Values, Beliefs and Outcomes that are still on the website today under “Culture.” It was then that I started to learn about Brian Finn’s character, but that was only the beginning.
WHAT HAPPENED:
Brian Finn was told that New Albany Plain Local Schools was making the decision to not renew his contract. They had found he was in violation of the code of conduct for failure to report two incidents that he handled internally, rather than reporting to administration.
The incidents and handling of them, were like any of the million routine decisions made by teachers and coaches every day.
They provided him the opportunity to resign.
HISTORY/CONTEXT:
It has been clear for the 5 years I’ve been in the stands, that the loudest fans are disgruntled fathers, vocal about their grievances.
“Throw the ball!!!!!”
“It’s the same play!!!!!!!!”
“Come on!!!!! Tackle!!! We have to learn how to tackle!!!!”
“Every single one of these coaches needs FIRED!!!!!”
These were parents.
I was silent, at first tongue-tied by my teaching contract and eventually not wanting to embarrass myself or my husband.
I did, however, mention to an administrator, as I was leaving St. Francis DeSales at the end of the 2024 season. When I mentioned the animosity from the crowd, he gave me a puzzled look.
“I haven’t heard that,” he replied
He wasn’t lying. He didn’t hear it.
How could he… from the track?
This season, the disrespect would get increasingly worse. Eventually escalating to a father entering the football locker room the Friday before a home game. Within a confined space full of players, coaches, young “ball boys”, and students of the Special Olympics football program, he showed up unannounced to confront Coach Finn about a decision he disagreed with. Upon realizing he wasn’t going to get his way, he stormed out of the locker room screaming and cursing.
For years, administration sat idly by while coaches were bullied by parents. It is no surprise that Brian Finn resigned, considering the impact a non-renewal could have on his current career as an intervention specialist in the district, with 23 years in. Not to mention his family.
IMPLICATIONS:
While I speak as though his thoughts are facts, I would like to be clear that the views expressed here today are mine and mine alone. I speak for no one and share only my perspective, because that’s really all any of us have… our own perspective.
I need to make this next point clear because the Brian Finn’s resignation sets a clear precedent– your reputation doesn’t matter and if you make the right people upset you can lose your job… after being told you are safe from losing your job.
I have even been told my speaking “won’t look good,” on those I’m closest to in under district contract. Contractually, teachers and coaches can’t speak disparagingly about the school district. They could lose their teaching position or worse, their license.
It is this reason that I am particularly disgusted by the way this situation was handled.
It almost sounds like forced silencing, doesn't it?!
IMPACT:
While I don’t believe achievements and accolades are all that matter, I do realize that I stand before a school board very much interested in achievement.
Before I end I’d like to share a bit about the impact Brian Finn has made, which failed to be mentioned in the district announcement of his resignation.
Which, by the way, was pathetic. It should have been better since there was so much time to prepare, with him being double-crossed and everything.
26 seasons on staff
Assistant under 5 head coaches
Offensive coordinator from 2013-2021
On staff for all 14 of New Albany’s postseason appearances
State semi-finals in 2006, 2012
Regional finals in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2022
A few of his off-field achievements, include:
Heavy involvement in the Miracle League
Spearheading New Albany Special Olympics Program
and years of dedication to the New Albany Youth Football League.
I would to speak directly to the men who conspired to end the #FINNish program. I wonder how anyone could assume they are entitled to influence decisions that impact an entire school district and community to push an agenda for their individual child or philosophy. I guess it’s the same type of person who believes they are entitled to a promotion just because there’s an opening, and then works to dismantle a 20+ year program because he didn’t get it.
When it comes to #FINNISH
It's hard to appreciate something you know nothing about.
I encourage everyone to share stories of how Coach Brian Finn and the #FINNISH program has positively impacted your life and then encourage your friends and family to do the same, knowing that those working in these buildings can’t speak out.
This essay was written before I spoke during public participation at a New Albany Plain-Local school board meeting.
The video is an excerpt from that meeting- watch 2:16-7:50 to see it spoken. Notice not all words are the same, because that’s how public speaking goes.
The full recording is available publicly on YouTube.
If you have the access to speak in rooms where others are excluded or disregarded, do it.
I’ve written other pieces about what it looks like to tell the truth despite others preferring your silence:
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