Evanston residents press council to restore Special Olympics services after coach’s termination

Dozens of Evanston residents and athletes told the City Council on July 28 they want the city to restore Special Olympics programming after the termination of long-serving coach and program lead Leonard Woodson. Public commenters said the change, which they said occurred in mid-July, led to canceled activities and left athletes without coach support.

Speakers described the Special Olympics program as a long-standing, community-supported service and said recent staffing changes disrupted scheduled competition and travel. Council members said staff is working to reestablish programming and that they will seek further review with city management.

The concerns matter because the Special Olympics and accessible recreation services provide coaching, travel coordination and community supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; speakers said cancellations denied athletes expected competition and social opportunities. At least one regional competition and several upcoming state-level events were described as jeopardized by the service disruption.

Bob Houser, a 41-year resident, said he learned of the termination “about 03:30 today,” and that Woodson had worked for the city for decades. “We just learned of Leonard's ultimate termination about 03:30 today,” Houser said. He told the council the Special Olympics program had been “a shambles” since Woodson’s departure and said a regional softball meet scheduled for Sunday was canceled. Liz Litvak, who identified herself as an athlete, said, “Please don't take away our coach.” Caroline Kolean said Woodson nominated her to compete at nationals and helped her find work as a swim instructor. Cecilia Wallen, whose son Marcelo has participated for 19 years, described Woodson’s role in travel, event organization and creating “a stable and supportive presence” for socially isolated athletes.

Several council members acknowledged the comments and asked staff to act. Council member Davis said she had read constituent emails and was “working with city staff to make sure that we continue to prioritize Special Olympics and also other services for people who have special needs.” Council member Rogers said she had asked staff for a plan “so that we can pick the ball up” and noted a delay that affected weekend programming. A staff speaker told the council, “we are very committed to our inclusive programming” and said staff was working “very diligently to ensure that the delivery of programs in the future are not disrupted.” The staff speaker also said the city manager, Luke Stowe, was on vacation and that, at the moment, the administration “doesn't have much to share.”

Council member Kelly asked for an executive-session meeting under the personnel exemption to discuss the matter with the city manager. Kelly moved a request for closed-session discussion “related to personnel to discuss recent changes in the special recreation program, specifically with the Special Olympics program and the process that has impacted resident participants, as soon as possible.” Council member Rogers seconded. Council members and staff discussed timing while the manager was on vacation; staff said it might be possible for the manager to join remotely but had limited details. After public and council discussion about procedure and timing, Kelly later withdrew the formal motion to go into executive session; council members agreed to seek a prompt meeting with the city manager and to send a joint letter requesting that meeting and follow-up information for families.

The council did not take personnel-level action during the July 28 meeting. Instead, council members pledged to pursue immediate administrative steps and communication. Council member Nussbaum urged that the city “replace the personnel and make sure these programs are back, in business as soon as possible.” Mayor Biss and other council members thanked speakers for their advocacy and encouraged families to continue submitting written concerns and to sign a joint letter to the city manager.

Ending: Families and athletes said they want a clear plan and better notice; council members said staff would share a plan with the families and the council as soon as it is available. The city’s announcement of any personnel-level details will be limited by confidentiality rules and state Open Meetings Act restrictions.