Washington High School - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

James tackles new job at Wash (Part II)

Paul James could have taken early retirement from Cedar Rapids Washington High School four years ago when he turned 55.

The Cedar Rapids school district was ready to throw a good chunk of money his way, along with health benefits and other goodies, but he simply was not interested.

"I didn't want to be one of those guys that retires and then they have to go out and find a job," he said Monday. "When I retire I want to enjoy it."

Instead of trimming his work load, James has eagerly increased the number of hats he wears at Washington as he begins his 38th straight year with the Warriors. He's an Associate Principal, Activities Director and the new football coach.

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Lombardi family leaves for WDM Valley

The fallout from the Tony Lombardi saga at Cedar Rapids Washington has taken a new twist.

The entire Lombardi family - Tony, Kari and their five children - have left Cedar Rapids and plan to live in the West Des Moines Valley school district, Washington athletic director Paul James said Monday morning.

Tony Lombardi has been charged with four counts of ethical violations as a teacher and coach at Washington. He faces a state hearing before an Administrative Law Judge on Sept. 23-24 in Des Moines.

Kari Lombardi has resigned as the head volleyball coach at Washington. Tony Lombardi resigned as the head football coach and baseball coach at Washington in May, but remained as the baseball coach through the end of the season in July.

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Dani Franklin will play ball at Valpo

Dani Franklin of Cedar Rapids Washington has decided to play college basketball at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind., according to the Iowa Prep Sports website.

Franklin, a 6-foot-1 forward, averaged 17 points and 7.5 rebounds last season as a junior and helped the Warriors make the Class 5A state tournament. She was named first team all-state.

Valparaiso is an NCAA Division I school that competes in the Horizon League.

Lombardi faces 4 charges at hearing

Former Cedar Rapids Washington coach Tony Lombardi has been formally charged with four counts of violating rules that govern the ethical conduct of teachers.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has found "probable cause" of a violation of Board rules and has scheduled a hearing for Sept. 23-24 in Des Moines before Administrative Law Judge John Priester, who will be acting on behalf of the BoEE.

Lombardi could have his teaching license revoked, depending on how the case is resolved.

Lombardi has resigned as the football coach and baseball coach at Washington High School but has a contract to teach in the Cedar Rapids Community School district for the 2013-14 school year, pending a formal building assignment.

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