GALLIPOLIS — “I want you to get rid of all these rumors tomorrow,” Gallipolis City Board of Education member Lynn Angell asked a crowd of about 40 people on hand to see if Jim Osborne would remain as boys basketball coach at Gallia Academy High School.

Those on hand supporting him weren’t disappointed.

On a unanimous vote Thursday, the board approved Superintendent Jack Payton’s recommendation to award Osborne a supplemental contract to coach Blue Devil boys basketball in 2009-10, taking him into his 40th year leading the team with a 524-345 record.

The action was taken during a special meeting in Payton’s office, where supporters and fellow educators urged the board to approve the contract, a “positive affirmation” of Osborne’s personal and professional accomplishments, said Dr. Gerald Vallee, one of several individuals who spoke before the board voted.

As the meeting opened, Angell said fears the contract would be voted down were not justified.

“Guys, I think you’re here on a lot of gossip and rumor,” she said.

Angell blamed the crowd’s reaction on “rumor and innuendo” arising from the board’s regular monthly meeting on May 20 when the item dealing with Osborne’s contract renewal was taken off the agenda.

That action occurred because the board had wanted to find out what Osborne’s future plans were and if he wanted to return as coach given his status as a retired district employee, something the board was unable to do at the time because Osborne was ill, Angell said.

“I apologize for any rumors,” she added. “People don’t understand how government works — it’s slow and creaky.”

The board has since met with Osborne, this year’s Paul Walker Award winner at the state boys basketball tournament in Columbus, and is satisfied with his performance.

“Our discussion the other night was positive,” board member Dr. Timothy Kyger said. “I think things were accomplished there. I think he can continue with the program.”

Prior to voting, Board President J.R. Sauer threw open the floor to public participation, where Ray McKinniss, whose sons have played for Osborne’s teams, said that while Osborne at times slowed down the play during hoop season, it was only to teach fundamentals to his athletes.

“He’s a guy who does things to get kids to the next level in the classroom and on court,” McKinniss said.

He also urged the board not to take part in a “witch hunt” due to the rumors and not dismiss a coach because “someone in the stands thinks Coach A or B should be terminated.”

Similar comments were aired by others who spoke for Osborne, including Hobart Wilson Jr., fellow teacher Gene Huffman, parent and former player Kent Shawver, GAHS freshman basketball coach and former player Greg Adkins, Vallee and teacher Michelle Jenkins.

Paul Harris, a Nike salesman and assistant basketball coach from Columbus, drove from Indianapolis to attend the meeting because the question of his continuing with the team had generated interest around the state.

“It’s great to see everyone came out,” Sauer said. “Any academic issue that comes up, I would hope everyone will rally around it as you have today. You should be at these meetings.”

The board also unanimously approved supplemental contracts for Roger Brandeberry to continue as Osborne’s assistant coach in 2009-10, and for Todd May as head varsity cross country coach and wrestling coach for seventh and eigth grades.