Monday, April 18, 2016

FATE OF CHS BASEBALL COACH TO BE REVEALED TONIGHT

The Board of Education is expected to update the community on the results of the investigation into claims against Columbia High School baseball coach Joe Fischetti tonight.

But it is unclear what we are likely to learn.

You may recall that the district hired an outside investigator nearly two months ago to review its own investigation that found Fischetti had allowed harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) of at least two former players.

Despite that, and a lawsuit filed by one of the former players, the school board on Feb. 22 voted to re-appoint Fischetti as coach this season by a 6-3 vote. Board members Johanna Wright, Chris Sabin and Elizabeth Baker voted against the re-appointment.

At the same meeting, Superintendent John Ramos announced that an outside investigator would be brought in to review the findings. It was later revealed that investigator was Parsippany-Troy Hills Superintendent Leroy Seitz.

Last month, District Spokeswoman Suzanne Turner stated that an update would occur at tonight's meeting, but also indicated Seitz's findings would not be made public.

There is no formal item on tonight's agenda about the update, so it is unclear when it will be made.

See the agenda HERE.

Tonight's meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. at the board offices, 525 Academy St.