Pine Tree Football Coach Conditionally Reinstated

LONGVIEW — Pine Tree head football coach and Athletic Director Derek Fitzhenry has been conditionally reinstated. The action was taken following a three hour meeting by school trustees. The school board said it supported action for the superintendent to carry out conditional reinstatement. Fitzhenry was at football practice Tuesday afternoon. School officials said they would not disclose the conditions of the reinstatement because they were legally and ethically bound to not discuss personnel matters.

Fitzhenry, had been suspended for allegedly pushing a student after Pine Tree�s win over Van Friday in Longview on August 30th. At the time, the Pine Tree ISD released the following statement regarding the incident: �Because this is a personnel issue, the school district is legally and ethically bound not to provide details. The district is, however looking into the issue and it will be addressed at the next regular School Board meeting on Monday, September 9th.�