Dear Superintendent Francois, We, the undersigned, wish to voice our support for the coaching staff of the Bothell High Cross Country Team. As athletes, parents and members of the Northshore community, we were greatly dismayed at the recent decision to terminate the tradition of excellence that has characterized BHS Cross Country for many years. The coaches of the cross country team have fostered a number of outstanding athletic achievements; but, more importantly, they have created a culture of acceptance, personal responsibility and cooperation that have helped many student athletes to grow into fine young men and women. BHS is known for its inclusive school climate and the cross country team epitomized the spirit of the school. The termination of the relationship between the students and the coaching staff goes against what we hold dear. It shows our students that hard work, compassion and cooperation are not to be valued. We urge you to carefully examine this decision and to reaffirm that after school activities like cross country are, first and foremost, a place where character, heart and teamwork are of paramount importance. In tough economic times, it may be necessary to reduce the coaching staff or to come up with creative alternatives. However, it was not necessary to abandon the values that have helped so many students to excel as athletes, citizens and friends.