Schroeder ousted as girls' basketball coach at North Scott

After three months of community debate and discussion by school district officials, Larry Schroeder is out as North Scott head varsity girls' basketball coach.

Schroeder, who recently completed his sixth season, was effectively fired following a vote Monday, May 14, by the North Scott School Board. The "notice of non-renewal of contract' was included as part of the board's consent agenda.

A statement issued by the North Scott School District read: “The district appreciates his service to the district and our athletes. The school district administration has decided it is time for a change in leadership of the girls’ basketball program. We feel it is time for a new philosophy and new enthusiasm for the girls’ program. The district will be advertising for this position and hopes to announce a replacement soon.”

Schroeder's teams went 66-68 since being elevated to the head varsity coaching job in 2006; he had spent the four previous years in the program at the freshman and sophomore levels. His teams went 54-42 in Mississippi Athletic Conference play, but in recent years struggled mightily against non-conference powerhouses including Iowa City High and Iowa City West. Schroeder's best team came in 2008-2009, when the Lancers – led by the 1-2 standout punch of Ashley Dexter and Olivia Storjohann – went 15-8, and nearly upset statebound Cedar Rapids Xavier in the Iowa Class 4A regional semifinals, losing 54-49 after the Lancers led most of the game.

Schroeder told The North Scott Press that he was appreciative of the district's efforts to debate his future as coach. “I have coached some great student/athletes and will miss the interaction. It has been a long 12 weeks for my family, and it is time for us to move on,” he stated in e-mailed remarks to the newspaper.

More on Monday night's school board meeting, along with remarks from district officials about how they arrived at their decision, can be found at the following link:

http://northscottpress.com/2012/05/schroeder-out-as-ns-girls-basketball-coach-board-votes-7-0-to-not-renew-coachs-contract/

The district is now advertising for the position.