WINFIELD -- The Putnam County Board of Education held its ground on Tuesday, defending its position in hiring an out-of-county resident to coach baseball at Buffalo High School.

Superintendent Chuck Hatfield told concerned parents that the Internet rumor mill has unfairly damaged the reputation of new Buffalo baseball coach Brian Withrow, who lives in Kanawha County and teaches in Boone County.

Buffalo baseball coach Jimmy Tribble resigned in October. Withrow, who coached baseball in Boone County for two years, was hired as replacement. The issue of his living and teaching outside of Putnam County was previously addressed and resolved by the board of education.

Three people attended Tuesday's board meeting and asked that Withrow be removed from his position and that the coaching job be re-posted.

Among the parents' top concerns are that Withrow does not live in Putnam County, and that rumors are spreading that he refuses to meet with parents to discuss their concerns.

"There are people more qualified that live in Putnam County and I heard some are interested in the position," said resident Mickey Lewis.

"The job was posted and interviews were done according to law," Hatfield said. "We find the young man to be competent and qualified for the job."

Lewis said he heard that Withrow was refusing to meet with concerned parents. "We're just trying to get the best coach," he said.

Hatfield said he could see no reason to re-post the coaching job. He also expressed disappointment at the rumors being spread about Withrow. "In the future, I would appreciate if parents would come to me with concerns. This young man has been done wrong because of the rumor field."

Board member William Legg agreed, saying, "It's amazing how many people believe if it is online, it is true."

Board member Debbie Phillips echoed his concern and said she had received "tons" of e-mails.

Withrow plans to hold several meetings with parents and athletic boosters in the coming weeks and months.

In other business Tuesday, the school board:

Received an updated financial statement dispersed by BOE accountant Bill Duncan.

Discussed routine employment and assignments of service and professional personnel.

Granted consent for use of facilities for activities.

Granted consent for field trips.

Jack Coyner concluded the meeting expressing gratitude to teachers at Confidence Elementary, Eastbrook Elementary, Hometown Elementary, Poca Elementary, Scott Teays Elementary, West Teays Elementary, Poca Middle, Hurricane High, and Winfield High who were recently honored by the West Virginia Department of Education for achieving Exemplary Accreditation status.

The Putnam County Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month.

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