Gilmeister Says Resigning Was Difficult Decision

As of today, Jim Gilmeister, and it was a decision that he says came down to how he could best serve kids.

Gilmeister said he was informed by school district administrators about a week ago that he had to decide between continuing to coach basketball or serve on the School Board. Officials recently learned of a statewide regulation that prohibited him from doing both, even if he didn't take any salary, because of they were "incompatible positions."

Gilmeister reports to Athletic Director Greg Lampe, who reports to Principal Paul Sigler, who reports to Superintendent Sara Burmeister, who reports to...Gilmeister and the other four members of the board. That was the reason why he couldn't keep both positions, Gilmeister said.

"I feel bad for the people who voted for me and for Sara and (Business Director) Cathy Cramer," he said in a phone interview Tuesday. "They put a lot of faith in me and they were great to work with."

Gilmeister, a 45-year Oak Creek resident and 1984 OCHS graduate, started coaching at age 15 in the Oak Creek Parks and Recreation Department and has done it ever since. He's currently the freshman girls basketball coach and an assistant with the varsity. In that position, he's been able to have a huge effect on students, several of whom still turn to him years later for personal advice, he said.

Ultimately, he felt he could make a bigger impact by continuing to coach.

"It's just something I wasn't willing to give up yet," he said.

Gilmeister was first elected to the board in 2009 by unseating incumbent board President Thomas Robe.

He admitted that being a school board member was harder than he thought - in many ways, the board's hands are tied by what happens at the state level, he said.

Gilmeister profusely praised district administrators and School Board members and applauded teachers for how they have handled the huge changes in collective bargaining and compensation. "I never got a terse word from any of the teachers," he said.

Board President Frank Carini last night thanked Gilmeister for the effort he put into improving Oak Creek schools.

"Jim has been a valuable asset to the board and has devoted a great deal of his time and his energy to the district," Carini said. "We respect his decision to continue coaching. We wish him only the best in his future endeavors."