Parents urge review after Somers varsity volleyball coach resigns; board cites personnel confidentiality

At the April 8 Somers Central School District Board of Education workshop, two parents used the public-comment period to raise concerns about the recent resignation of the varsity volleyball coach, identified by speakers as Coach Pittman.

Edith Baboni, who said her daughter plays on the varsity volleyball team, told the board that Coach Pittman "is a man with integrity" and that the team benefited from his work. "He put his heart and blood and sweat into this team," Baboni said, and asked the board to consider ways to keep him in the role.

Corey Mosta, a parent of middle- and high-school students, echoed those remarks and asked the district to "look into it further," saying the community had not been given details about the administrative decision that led to the coach's departure. Mosta urged the district to review the decision and "work towards a resolution that's good for the community."

Board members repeatedly told speakers they could not discuss personnel matters in public. At the workshop a board member said the board was not at liberty to discuss personnel issues but added, where appropriate, that the resignation "has nothing to do with any kind of board decision," noting the board cannot comment publicly on personnel actions.

— Ending — The board did not take a public action on the matter at the workshop. The district's personnel consent agenda was approved during the meeting by voice vote; board members said they are not able to provide details about personnel decisions in public sessions.