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Dozens urge board to reinstate Kettering coach; community leaders call removal unjust
Summary
Multiple parents, players and community volunteers addressed the board during public comment, urging reinstatement or clearing the record of Kettering softball coach Katie Belliotti after district action removed her from the coaching role; speakers described her community-building work and asked the board to reconsider.
More than a dozen speakers used the public-comment period to urge the board to reinstate or clear the name of Kettering varsity softball coach Katie Belliotti, who several speakers said was recently removed from her coaching role.
Speakers — including parents, players, travel-team coaches and community volunteers — described Belliotti’s role in rebuilding softball opportunities across the township, creating winter clinics, founding the Lady Outlaws travel organization and starting feeder programs at elementary and middle-school levels. Multiple speakers asked the board to "reconsider" the removal and to either reinstate her or allow her to resign with no disciplinary record.
Several presenters said the alleged reason for the action stemmed from a photo and an accusation at a team-bonding event (a Tigers game). Speakers disputed the characterization of events, described Belliotti as a volunteer who has donated time and money to ensure access for students of varying means, and said she had not engaged in conduct warranting termination. Witnesses and community leaders asked the board for a transparent review and for consistent enforcement of any district policy cited (some speakers referenced a policy about coaches drinking in the presence of players).
Representative quotes and requests included: - "She has been instrumental in revitalizing softball within our community," (Paul Baldwin, coach/volunteer). - "Katie's commitment to creating opportunities to our youth is truly commendable," (Marjorie Zizelman, family member and travel-team parent). - Parents and youths also described clinics and mentorship programs Belliotti organized and asked that the board "clear her name" and reinstate her as head coach.
Why it matters: The remarks reflect substantial community mobilization around a personnel decision that the speakers say affects youth sports participation, feeder programs and volunteer-led community development. Trustees acknowledged the public comments but the transcript does not record any board response reversing the district action.
Ending: Speakers urged the board to re-examine the decision, ensure consistent policy enforcement and consider the community contributions of the coach.
