“Policies and procedures must be followed.”
With that simple statement, the Board of Education declined this morning to hear an appeal of the non-renewal of Kris Hrisovulos’ contract as Staples High School’s boys tennis coach.
The Board’s decision — taken not as a vote, but as consensus by all 6 members — capped a 90-minute discussion. At its core: whether Hrisovulos — the multi-state championship-winning coach, and candidate for 2019 National Coach of the Year — had been given proper notice by Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, about athletic director VJ Sarullo’s recommendation to not rehire him.
The decision is believed to be based on a complaint made by the parent of a Staples tennis player last year.
Chair Lee Goldstein was not present. She recused herself from the meeting.
Board of Education members (from left): Robert Harrington, Dorie Hordon, Stephen Sedor (legal consultant), Neil Phillips, Jill Dillon, Abby Tolan, Kevin Christie.
A crowd of several dozen — including parents of current and former tennis players, and 5 members of the current team — were on hand when the special BOE session began at 9 a.m.
Based on the advice of their legal advisor, attorney Stephen Sedor, the board immediately headed to the 3rd floor for an exective session. There, they told the audience, they would discuss how to deal with student confidentiality issues.
The auditorium audience milled around for half an hour, uncertain of when the BOE would return.
Town Hall audience waits for Board of Education to return from executive session.
When they did, they considered a request by Hrisovulos’ attorney, Edward Lerner, that the coach was simply “recommended for non-renewal” by Sarullo. The actual non-renewal, according to board policy, must come from Scarice, within 90 days of the end of the season.
For well over an hour, board members and attorneys debated whether that happened. They read and re-read emails between Hrisovulos and Scarice, noting that the coach was discussing Sarullo’s “recommendation,” not any non-renewal per se. They discussed words, intentions and dates.
“If I am not being rehired by my bank, I expect a formal letter, with reasons I am being terminated,” noted BOE member Robert Harrington.
Administrators “can do better,” added fellow member Jill Dillon.
The adjournment of the meeting — before discussing any details of Hrisovulos’ case — does not necessarily mean the end of the saga.
Scarice still has the option to terminate Hrisovulos — who, like all coaches, is on a one-year contract.
However, the bar for termination is high. There are only 4 reasons: immoral conduct, failure to follow BOE rules and procedures, insubordination, and a decision to end the sports program.
A decision by Scarice lies ahead.
For now, Hrisovulos’ non-renewal has not occurred.
When the Board of Education adjourned, the auditorium burst into applause.
Moments later, an emotional Hrisovulos was hugged by 5 current Staples tennis players. Through 2 1/2 hours of debate and legal wrangling, they were there to support their coach.
Staples boys tennis coach Kris Hrisovulos (right) and varsity tennis player Brett Lampert, moments after the Board of Education adjourned. (All photos/Dan Woog)