STAFF REPORT

San Marcos CISD wants public input before it begins seeking applicants to fill the district athletic director position.

From Nov. 1-15, a survey will be posted on the district’s website at www.smcisd.net. Responses will be used to develop a profile for the ideal applicant. The profile will be used by the district’s screening and interview committees.

Those without personal computers or Web access may complete the survey at the district’s central office, which is located at 501 South LBJ Drive. Additionally, computers with Internet connectivity are available at the public library. For more information, call the district at (512) 393-6702 or (512) 393-6768.

The district’s quest for a permanent athletics director stems from the departure of Steve Van Nest, the old athletics director. On May 23, San Marcos CISD trustees authorized Superintendent Mark Eads to negotiate a severance agreement with Van Nest. Trustees declined to say why they opened the door to Van Nest’s departure, citing confidential personnel matters as allowed by Texas law.

Van Nest’s job made him head coach for the high school’s football team, the Rattlers. The team was 0-10 in 2010 and had been 5-24 in the last three seasons as of his departure. Van Nest was the focus of disputes between those who blamed the Rattlers’ record on his coaching, and those who said the team’s training facilities are inadequate compared to other Class 5A schools.

The severance agreement cost district taxpayers $85,738.62. Van Nest received $68,385.75 after taxes on or before July 27, according to the severance agreement. The severance agreement does not indicate the reason for Van Nest’s departure from the district’s employ.

“Employee (Van Nest) and District agree that neither party is at fault and that the decision to separate the employment relationship between employee and the district is in the best interests of both the employee and the district,” states the severance agreement.