Baseball Parents -
I suspect
many of you have heard different versions of the events of the past week relating
to the CHS baseball program. I want to
take a minute of your time to update you
and clarify what's going on.
First, at
Monday's board of education meeting, the board will consider whether to reappoint
Coaches Fischetti and Becht as the varsity baseball coaches. Typically, this would
be an easy decision for the school board, however, allegations of bullying
by a handful of parents of former players persist and continue to complicate
this process. I will not share my
personal views on the issue in this email,
though I offer the following:
In the
last week, more than a dozen Essex County baseball coaches, scores of fellow South
Orange/Maplewood teachers, administrators, coaches, and employees, and parents of
current and former players have sent letters and emails supporting Coaches Fischetti
and Becht to school administrators and Board of Education members.
In addition,
our sons circulated, signed and submitted a petition to the superintendent supporting
the coaches. On multiple occasions in the past, parents, alum, and parents of
alum have spoken before the Board of Education in support of the coaches. And
Principal Aaron and Mr. Busichio have expressed their support for the coaches.
If all
goes as anticipated, the superintendent, Dr. Ramos, will recommend that the board
reappoint the coaches at Monday's board meeting, along with all the other spring CHS
coaches. While this recommendation is likely to meet vocal resistance from a
small handful of parents of former players noted above, a contingent supporting
the coaches plans to attend Monday's meeting.
As you
probably know, today, Coach Campos and the boys met after school to discuss addressing
the board at the beginning of Monday's meeting.
I understand that they have developed a responsible plan that will allow
the team to have its voice heard at the meeting through the presentations of
2-3 players. I understand that the boys plan
to attend Monday's meeting and were reminded today to be respectful throughout
the meeting.
I'm sure
that their presentation and attendance on Monday will make
us all
very proud. I also understand that the
players may be encouraging their
parents to
attend Monday night's meeting to show their support for the baseball
program. It would be great if you could join your son
at Monday's meeting - and if you feel
compelled to speak, even better. The
meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30. At 7:50, public remarks are welcome. Those who intend to speak must place their
names on a sign-up sheet prior to the beginning of the meeting. Speakers have three minutes to address the
board. (While I hope to be there, I will
be late. I am the vice chair of Matheny
School and Hospital in Peapack and have to preside over that board's meeting on
Monday evening, but I will join the school board meeting after that, hopefully,
by 8-8:30.)
Please
understand that if the board does not vote to reappoint our coaches, there is no plan B;
it's unlikely that Mr. Busichio will find suitable coaching replacements before
tryouts begin on March 5.
Second,
you may have read press accounts of a lawsuit that David DeFranco apparently plans
to file (if he hasn't already) against the school board, Ms. Aaron, Mr. Busichio,
Coaches Becht, Campos, Fischetti, and Maietta, as well as the Columbia High
School Baseball Boosters and me. The
coaches categorically deny all allegations made against them. Similarly, both the CHSBB and I deny
allegations made against us.
We are in
the process of securing counsel and insurance coverage.
Because
the matter is in litigation, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to address
the
substance of the allegations via email, but if you have questions or concerns, please
feel free to reach out to me privately.
Hopefully,
future emails can focus on action on the field, not off it.
Thanks,
Bill Krais
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