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Parent calls on Watertown schools to protect coaches after alleged harassment of staff
Summary
A parent urged the Watertown City School District board to support coaches and curb parental harassment following an episode where coaches were, the speaker said, repeatedly undermined during the season.
A Watertown parent told the Board of Education that coaches — particularly those for girls cross country — faced persistent harassment and interference from a small group of parents during the past season and urged the board to support and protect coaching staff.
“We must do more to support and protect our coaches,” said Joe Matutek, a parent and longtime district resident. Matutek said parents repeatedly bypassed established protocols, used social media and direct messages to attack coaches and pressured staff about playing time. He argued those actions threatened retention of quality coaches and undermined team culture.
Matutek praised the coaching staff for guiding the women’s varsity team to a sectional championship, the first such title since 2017, and said the achievement came despite what he described as “relentless and unjustified criticism” from some parents. He said decisions about playing time are based on performance, attendance and commitment and should not be overridden by parental pressure.
No board action on athletics policy took place at the meeting; Matutek’s remarks were entered during the public comment period. Board members thanked speakers and did not announce immediate policy changes.
