I’ve lived in this town my entire life.
I graduated from Staples High School. I worked there in many capacities, from 1982 until 2021. I was especially proud to spend 19 years as head coach of the boys soccer program.
I have always supported the school, the administrators who run and oversee it, and the superintendent and Board of Education.
Today however, I am heartbroken, ashamed, and furious with my alma mater, and those who oversee our school district.
Seven months after suspending head boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense and freshman boys coach Chris O’Dell — both former Staples captains who have given back to the program and town for 9 and 20 years, respectively — and 4 months after not renewing their contracts, the Board of Ed has finally granted one of them (Russell) an appeal hearing.
Russell Oost-Lievense, in front of the Staples boys soccer trophy case.
It’s scheduled for this Monday (May 12), 9 a.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.
But it may be a show trial.
A hearing is not a court of law. The Board of Ed is both judge and jury.
Their own lawyer has determined which witnesses may be called, and what evidence — for example, Freedom of Information Act-available emails — may be considered.
Russell and Chris — beloved by nearly all their players, well-respected in the soccer community, Staples grads and good human beings — are being treated like criminals.
Actually, worse. Criminals have their day in court. The jury does not hire an attorney who determines what evidence they can and cannot see, and who they can and cannot hear from.
In a court of law, that’s decided by an independent judge.
Not here. In this case, there are crucial pieces of evidence that — because the superintendent objected to them — the Board of Ed’s attorney will simply not allow to be introduced.
They include testimony about a lack of athletic department policies and training pertaining to the case, the manner in which allegations against other coaches have been handled, and much more.
Those pieces of evidence, I believe, are crucial to the 2 coaches’ appeals.
But if the board does not see and hear them — because the superintendent objected to them, and the attorney the Board of Education hired deemed them “irrelevant” — then justice will not be served.
And two excellent coaches, excellent people, and excellent representatives of the school they graduated from (and love) will be kicked to the curb.
Our Board of Education can do better. Our superintendent can do better.
And the student-athletes who adore these coaches — and, agonizingly, cannot attend a 9 a.m. hearing to support them — deserve much, much better.
Thanks for standing in the coaches corner Dan. They do indeed deserve Better
There must be an open hearing where all evidence can be heard. We cannot have a repeat of the debacle which unfolded with the hearing for the tennis coach, a coach who was eventually cleared because the school never followed protocols in terminating his contract in the first place.
The refusal to allow the coaches to challenge the process by which the matter was investigated is especially problematic because we cannot have our school taking action in situations like this without a thorough and proper investigative process. “Thorough” means complete. It means interviewing all available witnesses, not just a scant few who may have interests in the outcome. “Investigative process” means an established documented protocol. Does the school have such protocols? If so, where are they set forth? If not, why not? If not, then can we allow a from-the-hip, hurried, shoddy, incomplete sham of a process to tarnish the professional careers of two valued members of our community who have given so much to our school–their school—our kids? Does not the Staples Soccer community deserve better than such an arbitrary and capricious decision? I certainly think so.
And, perhaps those who read this may think it does not impact them if their family is not a soccer family. Well, it does impact you. It impacts you because what happens when your child, or child’s teacher or child’s coach or child’s drama director is improperly in the crosshairs of a school “investigation” based upon someone’s complaint? You want to have confidence in the process and that is why we should be most concerned about what happens in this case. Never think for a moment that your kid wont be hurled into this abyss when you least expect it.
One Board of Ed member has already indicated he will recuse himself from this vote. Ask why.
The Board wont let the defense lawyer present the evidence or call the witnesses who the coaches deem relevant. Ask why.
Ask yourself. If you worked for a company or organization that treated its employees that way would you sit back and not take issue with such glaring unfairness?
The high school administration often hears the concerns, justified or unjustified, of countless parents. Everything from raise my kid’s grade to make him/her captain, and, for better or worse, parents often wind up making a big enough gripe to carry the day. But what about our top caliber teachers and staff? What does the school to do to hear their side sof the story?
Please, Board of Ed, all of you, ask these questions when you fulfill your duty to decide. And please, all of you, do so in a way that restores the community’s eroded confidence in the process.
Hell, I coached 8th grade football in Houston, along with a short stint teaching after the law, and I endured a complaint from a mother who thought I should play her son more. They had a formal contract for all coaches of all sports, a “jury” to listen to both sides of the complaint and then recommend a solution to an “executive board” made up of an administrator and the right of the defendant the right to counsel. Lord, Trump’s enigmatic implementation of “due process” is far more conducive to a fair outcome than this dated procedure. Perhaps curtailing all the bravado about how great Staples is and a focus on the minute details of running the school should be a priority??? http://www.carladdisonswanson.com
Sounds as though the “Fix is in!”… Why Indeed?! What is the Superintendent hiding? This entire matter STINKS !
Can you publish the emails and other evidence here?
I wondered the same thing.
Between this mess, the tennis coach, and the Block S debacle, it seems Mr. Sarullo may be in over his head. It also seems the superintendent, so good for so many years, may have gotten too comfortable and needs to be reminded that it’s a privilege to run WPS. We’re lucky to have him, but he’s lucky to have us. And to the BOE, I trust you’ll find a way to make this all right as you usually do in the end – thank you for your service.
As a former President of the Westport Soccer Association, a 20+ year referee of youth, high school and adult soccer matches and a long time observer of sports in Fairfield County, I am appalled at the way the entire process involving Russ and Chris has been handled. Both gentlemen are excellent, respected coaches and members of the Westport community. I have followed this process, am very familiar with the alleged incident that spurred this controversy and the “victim”, have spoken to his teammates to get their perspective and I can tell you that from my point of view this is a witch hunt. Russ and Chris deserve better.
Me thinks the leaders of the Westport School System have a problem with decisions. They don’t come easily!
Well said Dan. Westport can do much better than this. These are two of our most respected citizens and this whole process has been ridiculous.
Is this process specific to Westport schools or standard operating procedure throughout the country? If the former, I say “Houston, we’ve got a problem!”
Stupidity after stupidity. When will we admit we need a new leader? early decisions would have eliminated most of the simmering problems.
For part of my career as an attorney I was involved in investigations and litigation. And, the bottom line in those investigations was to try to get the complete picture in order to determine what the appropriate follow-up should be (and whether no further action was required at all).
Having read what has been said publicly so far in statements from a former Staples soccer player, a former assistant coach, and a former frosh coach, it’s clear that the source of the controversy was an incident that happened at a preseason soccer team retreat. And, as for the non-renewal of the contract of the former frosh coach, “I was told the reason was because I was witness to an event, and did not report it.”
I am assuming the rationale for the non-renewal of the former head coach was identical or similar—that is, either he witnessed “an event” or heard about it subsequently and failed to report it.
If this is what happened, then at the very least I think it is critical for the Board to a) have statements from those who witnessed the incident as to what they saw and heard, and b) have copies of whatever specific protocols are in place with respect to a coach’s obligations to report to the athletic director specific types of issues that might arise.
Without these key elements, I think the Board leaves itself open to a charge of making an arbitrary and capricious decision. In the interests of fairness to everyone, the Board should have all of the relevant information before making a determination.
And I hope the entire process is examined to ensure that the handling of such an issue is not repeated in this manner.
I appreciate your impassioned column, Dan. But for those of us not familiar with the details of the case(s) to which you refer, providing a few details on context would be helpful.
It would appear that full disclosure, or the lack of it may be at the heart of this controversy. Who said what to whom and why? Let’s hope the BOE will shine a bright light on all aspects of this donnybrook before rendering its decision. It’s not only the quality of the coaches involved, but also the vital transparency of the school system’s handling of these kinds of incidents that impacts both teachers and students. Let’s get this one right and install a better protocol to deal with future concerns. It’s been a Westport tradition to create excellence in all things that impact our quality of life, particularly in our schools. Let’s not allow this incident to sully so many years of good work.
Well said Fred Cantor. A voice of reason and a voice of the need for disclosure in public. It seems there is a meeting at a time when all interested parties and those with a voice cannot be present. This is not transparency. What is the board and administrators afraid of??
If due process is not provided, then it’s time for community civil disobedience. The entire soccer team, other team members, their parents, school mates and friends, should all attend this hearing in support. Falsehoods should be loudly rejected, proffers of truth insisted upon. Threats of Boycotts in the fall season seem appropriate (there are recreation and travel team alternatives). Seems as though these men have fewer rights than those expelled to El Salvador.
Please refer to the revised agenda for this meeting that was just posted by the town. The BOE will take this matter into an executive session and make a decision. There may be no chance to hear any other voices from the town. Sound familiar?
Although it is fashionable in some circles to criticize unions, ask yourself this: If the coaches were part of a union, would the BOE be acting this way?
Negotiating with, or confronting, those more powerful than you, can be quite lonely and expensive. Having the support of others makes it a lot easier, and makes the powerful think twice before abusing their power. Russell and Chris seem to have a ton of support from the community. But would matters have gotten this far had the BOE known they were represented by a union?
I don’t often think about unions and not sure if I have publicly ever discussed the issue. Are they a perfect solution? Obviously not. But they certainly helped my grandfather when he drove a NYC bus and worked on the NY docks. And I think there should always be a place in our society for collective action to keep the power of the powerful in check.
As I recall from prior posts-
1- Whatever happened at the soccer retreat did not seem to rise to the level to be reportable by any coaches or the student soccer player involved.
2- the incident was reported by an unknown third party months later.
3- with the coaches subsequent suspension the involved student soccer player was blamed and “shunned”
4- the student’s parents were upset and complained about what was happening to there child.
4- the process for resolving this has been too long and drawn out.
5- What happened? Who complained? What facts were collected? Why were the coaches suspended?
6- hopefully the Monday meeting will finally lay out the facts and get this resolved.
Why is it so hard to treat employees fairly and respectfully?
I’ve known Russ and Chris for years and their contributions to the community and the program have had an immeasurable impact on their student athletes and countless others, and we were incredibly fortunate to have them involved in the Staples Soccer program.
The Board of Ed should provide leadership on their cases and ensure they are treated fairly; then the Board needs to examine amending the policies to treat their employees appropriately if similar situations arise in the future. This is important as I think it sends the right message to current and prospective coaches.
They deserve better.
There’s a lot to unpack here. Without conflating issues, we are still waiting to hear whether the school has stopped paying for team uniforms. If that is the case, when was the decision made, and by whom? (sorry to sneak that one in)
Unfortunately, many of the comments shared here are unlikely to be considered, as it was made clear at the last Board of Education meeting I attended that the administration does not take social media platforms into account when making decisions.
I coached for nearly a decade—three decades ago—and I truly wish Russel and Chris could have experienced the level of support we received from both the parents and the school. It’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to coach in today’s environment. There’s no financial incentive, and the personal risk involved makes it nearly impossible.
As a footnote, I serve as an officer of the wrestling team booster club and was involved in the search for a new head coach. We found a great candidate who initially accepted the role but then abruptly withdrew. When he called me, he said, “I can’t afford the risk to my personal or professional reputation. I can see a parent walking into the school after their kid loses a wrestle-off, and the next thing you know, I’m fired, my name is in the papers, and the reputation I’ve built is ruined.”
If I can make it on Monday I will, not to speak but to support. I hope this can be walked back before more damage is done. There are good people on both sides, this one just ran off the rails and is emblematic for what is at stake.
I have known Chris O’Dell for a long time, and is a man of great character, and always giving back to our community. He is a Westport native, him and wife Mary own a successful Westport based company, employing other Staples grads.
I do not know Russell Lievense, but hear nothing but good things about him.
All the comments above speak loudly of a “flaw in due process.”
Many great, and respectful comments and questions asked from those engaged, and should be answered.
I have utmost respect for our Board of Education, as I know many personally, as well as our Superintended of Schools Tom Scarise.
There is an opportunity to get this right. No shame in admitting fault in gathering facts, providing facts, and failure of due process.
We are all human and not perfect. Let’s make make it right and move forward.
The administration dropped the ball here.
Russell was terminated, was not made aware of an appeal process until after a few months in which they stated,”must be done within ten days,” and had contacted the administration multiple times.
Further, supporters will be there for Russell and since they are not allowed to testify or speak (so I have heard), the number of supports will speak for itself.
I went to high school with Russell. He led the team as a student and now leads as a coach and for quite some time. If there were issues behaviorally, there would be a consistent pattern. There is none.
Right the wrong decision and let Russell continue to discover and develop the players potential and talent.
Echoing other’s comments that there needs to be more transparency surrounding this process and how the decisions were made.
Sounds like the BOE knows they’re in way too deep and to backtrack/reverse their decision now would destroy their credibility. Chris and Russ deserve better than this.
Let’s stop mincing words. The state of leadership and management within the Westport Public Schools, under the current Board of Education and Superintendent Tom Scarice, is unacceptable and has reached a critical point for this community. A clear pattern of mismanagement, tone-deaf decision-making, and apparent detachment is on full display.
Look at the evidence:
1. The scandalous handling of dedicated Staples coaches – from the protracted, questionable process with the boys soccer coaches to the administrative bungling that led to the tennis coach’s reinstatement on procedural grounds.
2. The pathetic debacle of the Block S awards, replacing a 70-year tradition with cheap plaques for supposed budget reasons, without genuine consultation. This shows a fundamental lack of respect for student achievement, history, and community values. The inability of the BOE to forcefully correct this demonstrates complicity.
3. Our Staples Auditorium, a central hub, is effectively offline or severely limited due to supposedly ancient, inoperable equipment. How does a district with Westport’s resources let a critical facility fall into such disrepair that it impacts student programs? That is a failure of basic stewardship.
4. Reports persist of inadequate uniform budgets for athletic teams, forcing students and booster clubs to scramble. While budget documents boast millions, essential support for student activities is apparently neglected. This reflects distorted priorities.
5. The ongoing, unaddressed disparity in girls’ locker room facilities at Staples is not just an inconvenience; it is an inequity that tells our female athletes they are second class. The administration has known about the overcrowding and poor conditions – where is the urgent action?
This isn’t a string of unfortunate accidents. This is a pattern of gross negligence and a profound lack of effective leadership. But sure, let’s spend our collective energy on a cell-phone ban that doesn’t delineate the needs of a 6-year-old vs. a 16-year- old, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on Yonder bags that will be stuffed with burner phones from Amazon, while students hack the system by screen mirroring their phones to their laptops anyways.
And let’s be brutally honest about representation and accountability. By next school year, the current Board of Education will reportedly have ZERO students at Staples High School and ZERO children in any elementary school. How can a board genuinely represent the daily realities and urgent needs of the vast majority of the student body when its members are so far removed from those experiences?
Then there’s the Superintendent, Tom Scarice, a resident of Madison, CT. While he holds the title, his physical and practical distance from Westport life is palpable. He doesn’t face the community he serves during a Saturday morning trip to CVS or Trader Joe’s. Heck, he’s never seen wandering the halls of his schools, attending Staples Players performances, or stopping by a booster club car wash on the weekend. This detachment allows for decisions that feel abdicated, made without the direct, informal temperature check that is vital in a close-knit town like Westport. It enables absentee leadership on critical issues.
The community is frustrated and rightfully so. This string of failures is unacceptable. We need leadership that is present, competent, and truly representative.
Why is this meeting not being streamed?
adjudications within academic institutions are unbelievably – unless you have to deal with them yourself it’s hard to believe because how the academic institutions conduct the complaint process makes no sense outside of academic institutions – unconstitutional. I don’t know how they get away with it – and it’s like this at all levels all across USA – except that the cost (time and money) benefit of seeing the complaints against them ‘all the way through’ meaning taking it out of the institution and into the courts persuades people to ‘just drop it’.
Seems as though due process is a Constitutional guarantee honored in the breach by more than just our current Department of “justice.”
The Staples soccer program was not perfect when my son played but Russell was the best thing about it. As a pediatrician, I was extremely disappointed with the lack of child psychology knowledge most coaches have/had. I have always stated that there should be some requirement by coaching associations to make sure they understood the developmental process of most children/adolescents. There was always a disconnect between coaches and players, in my opinion. But when I came across a “good” coach, one that understood their players and connected in an effective way, they stood out. Russell was one, Freya was another. Freya was run out of Wilton High School by entitled, obnoxious parents who thought their kids deserved more playing time etc. Ultimately, it is the kids that suffer. This was perfectly exemplified by the pandemic where kids’ needs were never prioritized in Westport. Russell is the best boys’ soccer coach I have come across and if the administration could get out of their own way, they would see that. Thanks for writing about this Dan. Good luck Russ, Konur misses you.