Minnesota scene: High school coaches get a bit more job security

Minnesota high school coaches got an extra sentence of protection from upset parents as a result of a bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Mark Dayton.

The sentence, added to an existing statute on coaching contract renewal, says, "The existence of parent complaints must not be the sole reason for a board to not renew a coaching contract.''

Coaches had sought the language, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, in response to growing and sometimes fierce opposition from parents upset about playing time or better roles for their high school athletes. Supporters said it was necessary to help coaches, who face annual contract renewal, to keep their jobs.

Critics such as the Minnesota School Boards Association have said the measure will undermine the authority of school boards which make such contract decisions.

Paul Klauda

Hopkins' three-time state champion Nia Coffey will get a chance to add a gold medal to her résumé.

She was among 12 players selected for the U.S. team which will compete in the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship in Lithuania, July 18-28.

The Lynx have waived guards Chucky Jeffery and Jacki Gemelos, which brings their roster to 12 players. They still have to cut one more player Thursday to get to the maximum permitted. Jeffery, of Colorado, was a second-round pick in the WNBA draft this year. Gemelos, of Southern Cal, was a third-round pick in 2012.