Plains softball coach tearfully resigns

During a special Plains School Board session, longtime softball coach Kati Mitchell tearfully resigned as head softball coach.  

In a letter that was read to the board, with the help of Plains teacher Lisa Brown, Mitchell wrote: “Over the past 10 years serving as a coach, I have had the privilege of working with a talented group of athletes and dedicated staff. I want to express my gratitude to the players, parents and fellow coaches who have shown unwavering support and dedication. It has been an honor to work with such a remarkable group. It has been a privilege to coach the talented athletes at Plains High School, and I will always cherish the memories and accomplishment we have achieved together.”   

Mitchell continued addressing the board, saying, “The lack of trust and support from the school board has made it increasingly challenging for me to fulfill my duties effectively as a coach. Trust is a fundamental component of any successful team, and without it, it is impossible to create a positive and productive environment. Despite my best efforts to foster communication and understanding. I have felt unsupported and under a microscope in my role this last year. I hope immediately there is a process put in place that will help guide the school through making educated decisions regarding future and current coaches.” 

Plains teacher Nichole Cockrell commented to the board as well.  

“I want to remind the board to take caution in turning away the people who are committed and invested in our students over the years,” Cockrell said. “The time we spent should be valued.”  

Assistant Softball Coach Jon Zigler added, “I just wanted to relay to the board that at no time, did I ever witnessed coach Mitchell do anything that would have gone against MHSA (Montana High School Association) policy or anything against the positive or good for the team or the girls. She allowed the athletes to come to her and she was an open book with them. She did the best she could with the tools that she had.” 

Under new business, the board voted to hire Jessica Butcher as the new assistant volleyball coach. 

Russell Kujala introduced several proposed new guidelines and policies for the board to review. The first was the extracurricular fundraising guidelines followed by the Dual Sport Policy and the Athletic Handbook. Each was discussed and each was tabled for more clarification. Board member Lana Dickens said GPA requirements needed to be consistent throughout the documents. 

Another special board meeting was planned to be held during the week of July 29 – Aug. 2. 

Newly hired Plains High School Principal Dr. Heidii Fettinger will be joining the staff starting this upcoming year. She has over 24 years of experience in education and has taught at every level from kindergarten to high school. Fettinger has a master’s in teacher’s education, a master’s in educational administration and a PhD in psychology with an emphasis in cognition and instruction.