Board approves cuts and additions to athletics staff; mixed questions over contract implications

The Seymour School District Board of Education on Tuesday considered multiple personnel motions affecting athletic coaching positions and approved several changes following debate about contract implications.

Motion and votes: Board member Ed moved to eliminate the head outdoor track position and create two co‑head outdoor track positions; the motion was seconded but the final recorded vote for that specific motion was not entered in the meeting transcript. The board later approved a motion to eliminate two assistant soccer coach positions; the chair announced the vote as 7‑0 in favor. The board also voted to add one assistant tennis coach position; the clerk announced that vote as 6‑0. Other motions — including eliminating the assistant golf coach position and adding an assistant indoor track coach — were moved and discussed; some of those items were described as covering currently vacant roles.

Union and contract concerns: Board members raised repeated questions about Appendix D of the teacher contract and whether eliminating or restructuring positions could create unintended contractual or personnel consequences (for example, whether eliminating an incumbent’s position could amount to a de facto termination). One board member requested a brief written clarification from union leadership confirming that proposed changes comply with contract language before similar items are finalized.

Why it matters: Changes to coaching rosters affect staff workload, seasonal programming and student participation. Several board members urged transparency about how changes would be handled administratively and financially, especially where existing positions are occupied.

What’s next: Administrators and the board signaled they will review Appendix D and seek union input where needed before implementing structural changes to positions that might affect an incumbent employee’s status.