CHS Baseball Booster Parent letter to parents


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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