Affirmative votes from Riverbank United School District trustees Elizabeth Meza, Egidio ‘Jeep’ Oliveira and John Mitchell at Tuesday’s school board meeting effectively brought an end to a summer-long saga involving the stalled hiring of Riverbank High football coach and offensive coordinator, Kirk Peterson. 

After a collection of coaches, parents and students spoke directly to the board, Mitchell reversed his prior position on the matter by first abstaining, then ultimately joining Meza and Oliveira to approve the son of fellow board member, Ron Peterson. 

Mitchell departed the meeting immediately after his vote drew an uproarious applause from community members present, but his fellow trustees stayed to discuss a potential change in the approval process of RHS coaches. 

Amongst the crowd was Kirk Peterson, who quietly witnessed the proceedings and enjoyed a cheerful celebration with audience members after the issue was resolved. 

Both Kirk Peterson and RHS head football coach James Oliver thanked the board for “making the right decision” and pointed towards their eagerness to return to the gridiron. 

For more information on this dramatic meeting and conflict in question, catch the Aug. 14 print edition of The Riverbank News.