Guzman declines James’ offer

By MONICA ZUÑIGA
Staff Writer
repo...@sbnewspaper.com

Jose R. Guzman

RIO HONDO – Jose R. Guzman, the celebrated head boys’ basketball coach for Rio Hondo High School, declined a recent offer made by Athletic Director Rocky James to coach at the junior high level.

James offered Guzman coaching positions at Rio Hondo Junior High, consisting mainly of heading the seventh and/or eighth grade basketball teams, track as well as assisting in football. The offer came after Guzman filed a level one grievance challenging his reassignment, which was handed down by James, as the high school head basketball coach to the junior high positions. Although James said the coach’s pay would not have been adjusted as a result, Guzman opted instead to move forward with a level two grievance, which will be decided by Superintendent Anneliese McMinn.

“We don’t agree with his (James’) offer and we did not anticipate resolving the issue at level one,” said Tony Conners, Guzman’s attorney. Conners also indicated that Guzman is willing to take the matter to a level three grievance, which would go before the Rio Hondo ISD School Board, if necessary. If that’s the case, the matter may go unresolved until late August or September.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of the August 1 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.