DATE: July 21, 2021
TO: Kenneth James, Robert Aguilar and the CPPS Community
FROM: Coach Jeff Bartlow
RE: Resignation of High School PE/Health instructor and Head Football Coach
After days of contemplation and a few sleepless nights, it is in my best interest to pull out of the coaching and teaching position at CPPS that I just recently accepted on June 24th. I fully intended to get in, roll up my sleeves and get to work right here at College Place and be a part of something very special here. And, we did that, getting the staff put together and getting the rest of the summer lined up for weights, workouts & 7x7 competition. But, I have coached a number of seasons of HS football (16 seasons) and know the time commitment in season and actually out of season, too, to make it a success. And, I just want to be honest with myself on this and I felt, after 3 weeks on the job, that I cannot make that sacrifice at this time. It is a sacrifice and as a young teacher and coach, I was able to pull that off for those 16 years. They were some of my favorite chapters in my life for sure. But, today, in my 34th year as an educator, that is not the case. I was not at peace on it and in my spirit, felt like I needed to stop and look ahead at what I needed to do and where I was headed. And, it became evident that I needed to resign and give the kids and coaches a change to recover and get things in place before day one (August 18).
So, I will be headed back to Pioneer Middle School to continue as school counselor & coach.
I want to thank you all for your support in my short time at College Place. I have a very soft spot for this school and community and I wish you only the very best in your quest for an outstanding educational and athletic setting for the young minds of those students that attend College Place Public Schools.
Many Blessings.
Coach Bartlow