There was a special board meeting on Monday, November 27th. The main theme of the meeting was Athletic Director, Pete Lango’s resignation. Lango is resigning on his second year as the Athletic Director. Lango will continue to be the Athletic Director until the end of this school year. Starting next year, Lango will go back to being a teacher at Taft High.

During the meeting, a discussion was brought up by Julie Ortlieb about the authorization to fill the vacancy. Ortlieb stated, “In the times that we are now in, this might be a time to rethink that position. Not as not having an athletic director, but maybe not having an ‘admin’ onto that.” John Kopp asked if coaches need to be evaluated by an administrator, Kopp said “Is it a hundred percent school, Ed code.” Legal counsel, Daren Kameya did state that non-credential applicants can fill such positions since they are not evaluating certificated teaching, Kameya affirmed, “Those particular positions do not require an evaluation admin services credential.”

Showing her gratitude, Wendy Berry said, “I really appreciate what Pete has done.” Lango’s resignation was approved, but the filling of the position has been postponed. Blanca G. Cavazos said, “We have not made any decisions. This came rather quickly.” This was in regard to some members of the board wondering about filling the position.

On November 27, Mr. Lango sent his letter of resignation out to all Taft High staff members, the excerpt from the letter reads as such to the Taft community: “I would like to thank the ​Administration, Board,​ ​faculty and community for their support during my time as AD at Taft High School.…While I would love to continue on with my duties as AD for Taft High School​,​ the travel and long nights are simply difficult for my family​. It would be unfair to our student-athletes and coaches if I did not commit the time I believe needed to do Athletics at Taft High.” The Taft community seems thankful for Mr. Lango, and his service as our Athletic Director.