Dance coaches from Eastview and Chaska have been disciplined for their involvement in a protest at the high school dance team tournament in February, officials said Tuesday.
Eastview coach Jenny Raiche received a letter of deficiency and will be suspended for the first two meets of next season, said Tony Taschner, a spokesman for Independent School District 196.
Chaska coach Kris Rydland also received a letter of reprimand and was suspended for the first two meets next season, district spokesman Brett Johnson said.
Five coaches from the Eden Prairie team, which also was involved in the protest, "have made the decision not to continue on in their coaching roles for the next season," school district spokeswoman Jaclyn Swords said. Their departures were not the result of disciplinary action, she said.
Eden Prairie has hired Jessica Howells to fill its vacant head coach position.
Dancers and coaches protested during the awards ceremony after Faribault's Class 3A title-winning routine, which had drawn complaints for plagiarism. The incident spawned a huge public outcry and led to an investigation by a Minneapolis law firm.
Previously, Wayzata coach Leslie Swiggum received a letter of reprimand and two-meet suspension. Written reprimands were given to Lakeville South dance team coach Genevieve Adler, five assistant coaches and school activities director Neil Strader.
BETSY HELFAND
