Parents, students press Carmel Central School Board after district blocks transportation to private football camps; investigation into coach ongoing

Dozens of parents and students testified at the Carmel Central School District Board of Education meeting on Aug. 12, pressing the board to explain why student athletes were not allowed to travel to privately run football camps and asking for information about the status of a coach central to the program.

Frank DeGrazio, a parent and high‑school special education teacher, told trustees that removing organized practice time threatens safety and development: “When you take practice time away from coaches, you're taking away teaching time.” He urged the district to revisit policies that he said keep athletes from getting essential instruction.

Steven Luciana, who identified himself as a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association State Football Committee, asked the board to explain the district’s legal rationale. “What is the actual liability?” he asked. “If it is illegal, then why are hundreds of schools allowed to go?”

Several students spoke as well. King Mercer said the team had lost players over the summer and appealed directly to the board: “Me and my teammates just feel like we need answers.” Student Jesus Alguerra, now entering his senior year, described the coach as a mentor and asked the board to allow the coach to remain on the sidelines.

At least one parent raised an independent allegation about a coach’s conduct. Megan Williams said her daughter, who has autism, was ostracized during tryouts and that promises to address the incident were later broken. “My daughter was told to call me to come and get her…She was facing the wall,” Williams said, adding that her family would not allow their child to play again without assurance that the district has corrected past mistakes.

Board leaders repeatedly told the room they hear parents’ and students’ concerns. The board said it has sought legal guidance and that state law and district policy restrict the use of district transportation for activities that are not district‑sponsored. One trustee explained: the district “cannot provide transportation” when the activity is not a district‑sponsored event. Trustees and the interim superintendent emphasized they are not seeking to remove opportunities but must follow statutes and Commissioner’s regulations.

The board also said there is an administrative investigation underway concerning personnel matters and that it could not comment on the specifics while that review continues. “There is an investigation going on. We are not privy to those results,” the president said.

Trustees pledged follow‑up. Several asked administration to return with legal guidance and to clarify whether there are procedural or contract limitations that shaped the decision. The board directed administrators to continue work and to report back when information may lawfully be shared.

What’s next: Trustees said they will continue to work with administration and legal counsel and promised to share information from the investigation when it is appropriate to do so.