To the editor:
Regrettably, we are writing concerning a situation unfolding at Houlton High School. Our father, Wayne Quint, is not returning next year as the school’s Athletic Director. This is not his choice.
Our father loves his job, the students and is devoted to the HHS’s athletic program. Due to recent events, we are writing to defend his distinguished and reputable fifty-year career at HHS, which is coming to an abrupt end. He is an honest and private man who would never ask for help.
The current superintendent and high school principal are not supporting the renewal of his contract because he took a family March vacation. In fact, we believe they are actively working hard to see that he isn’t offered another contract. Their motives are unclear but to us it is simply petty.
Our father works through all school vacations when athletics are the busiest with games and practices. Over the last couple of years he has taken his only vacation in March. With his years of experience, he instinctively knows the timing for a vacation in March is ideal because basketball season has ended and spring athletics start the first weeks in April. There typically is nothing scheduled in March.
He has devoted over fifty years of his life to HHS’s athletic program as a teacher and coach and currently as its Athletic Director. During his career, he has coached, advocated for athletes and coaches, organized and scheduled countless seasons of games and attended hundreds, if not thousands, of games and numerous tournaments. He beams with pride watching Houlton’s finest athletes play with distinction and honor. Over the years, he worked with many MSAD 29 and high school administrations, working with everyone to do right by the school, its athletes and athletic programs.
It is a shame someone with his years of experience and dedication is being forced out. Our hope is the generations of students taught and coached by him will come to his aid and rally in support of him.
We are asking his current and former students, coaches and friends to get involved by doing two things. Write letters to the editor of the Houlton Pioneer Times supporting him. And, contact your school board member(s) to find out why this is happening and ask why a man with decades of dedicated service is being tossed aside.
He deserves better and needs your help. We are certain of one thing. If the School Board knew former and current students, athletes, coaches, friends and colleagues support him and want him to stay; perhaps they would consider doing the right thing by supporting him and offering to renew his contract.
Go Shiretowners — Go Coach Quint!
Michael, Peter and Matthew Quint
