Washburn's Pratt named Rockford activities chief

Dan Pratt has been hired as activity director for the Rockford school district, a post in which he will supervise sports, arts, and other activities for 800 students after being ousted as athletic director at Washburn High School in Minneapolis

The Rockford district said that Pratt, who spent 13 years as Washburn's athletic director before he was removed in a dispute said to have originated with a scoreboard purchase, has 20 years of experience in athletics and education.

At Washburn, Pratt supervised 24 sports, managing coaches, scheduling, facilities, and conditioning programs. He's also coached girls softball and boys hockey.

The pending removal of Pratt at Washburn last April sparked a backlash among some students that was strong enough, along with other issues, to lead the district to remove Principal Carol Markham Cousins, who has been reassigned. Pratt also taught physical education classes.

The district has yet to fill the Washburn principal position, but has been interviewing candidates for that and the athletic position.