Board Will Decide Dunivant’s Future With Burroughs

Bob Dunivant’s return as football coach at Burroughs High could be limited to one game.

On Thursday, the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education, of which Dunivant is a member, will vote whether to approve Dunivant’s hiring.

Board president William Abbey has said that Dunivant’s involvement with Burroughs, a member of the district, might constitute a conflict of interest. District rules prohibit a board member from accepting compensation to coach at a member school.

Dunivant, 56, has said that he is willing to serve as a volunteer coach, but the five-member board still must approve his position. Three votes are required for approval and Dunivant is not allowed to cast a ballot.

Dunivant, who began his fourth term as coach at Burroughs on Monday (he coached in 1961-1974, 1976-79 and 1986), will lead Burroughs tonight against visiting La Canada.

Butch McElwee abruptly resigned as coach for personal reasons after last Friday night’s 34-7 nonleague loss to Chaminade. The game was halted with 2 minutes 28 seconds to play when a brawl erupted after an onside kick.

Dunivant, who compiled a 102-75-4 record at Burroughs, was 10-2-1 in 1986, his final season as a head coach. The following year, he served as an assistant to McElwee.

Dunivant retired from teaching in 1989 and was elected to the district board in February.