Fleming Queries Burbank Over Firing

Recently fired from her position as Burbank High softball coach, Jen Fleming, along with those associated with her program, has been left searching for answers.

Fleming, a former Cal State Northridge center fielder and El Camino Real High graduate, received a phone call Aug. 6 from Christine Krohn, a vice principal at Burbank, who told Fleming she had “some bad news” for her.

According to Fleming, Krohn told her, “We’ve decided not to renew your contract this year . . . and could you please return the shed keys.”

At the time, Fleming, a walk-on coach who took over a 2-20 team last year, did not ask Krohn why she was fired. But now she wants some answers--and she wants it in writing.

“Some parents are meeting with [Athletic Director Dave Kemp] and in the meantime I’ve been speaking to an attorney,” Fleming said.

Krohn, softball coach for 15 years at Burbank prior to hiring Fleming, would not comment on Fleming’s dismissal, saying only, “Walk-on coaches have to be renewed yearly.”

Krohn, did say, however, she was surprised that Fleming didn’t ask for a reason during the phone conversation.

Meanwhile, a few parents have joined forces to learn why Fleming won’t be coming back.

Mike Ivey, whose daughter Amanda played catcher last season, is one who believes he is entitled to some answers. He thought Fleming had the program turned around and headed in the right direction. Now he wonders what went wrong.

“I started this whole process because I was a little uncomfortable with the way it was handled,” he said. “If there is a good reason for it, then OK. But I haven’t seen anything that is a good reason.”

Burbank finished 5-17 overall, 2-8 in the Foothill League for a fifth-place finish.