Coach returns to work

Coach Michael Shortt

The Cleburne County Board of Education has brought to an end the board’s public discussion of an incident in which Coach Michael Shortt used a racially offensive term during a pre-game talk with his players.

Superintendent Claire Dryden read a short statement at the end of Mondays school board meeting, saying that the discipline has been handled and that discipline is confidential under privacy laws. She reiterated her and the board’s objection to the use of the racially charged word.

Dryden said that Shortt’s administrative leave is complete and he will be at Cleburne County High School for work today. She had placed him on administrative leave on Feb. 9 during an investigation of the incident.

Coach Shortt was allowed to make a statement after the meeting was adjourned. He apologized to an audience.

Shortt explained that he had used the racial comment along with several names when he was explaining to the students what players on the other team might call them. He was hoping to teach them that they should not let adversity define them.

He offered his apology to the board, the superintendent, the community and to his players. He left the room immediately after making the statement.