The agenda item seems straightforward.
On Monday (June 15, 12:30 p.m., Zoom), the Board of Education will meet in executive session for a “discussion of attorney-client privileged memorandum providing legal advice concerning FOIC decision on coach’s appeal hearing, and possible next steps on same,” along with “discussion of pending federal court litigation, Oost-Lievense v. Westport Board of Education, brought by former coach, relating to the non-renewal of his contract … as well as mediation.”
Then, in public session, the Board of Ed will discuss, and may act, on the FOIC decision.
The back story is less dry.
“FOIC” is Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Commission.
Last month, the 7-member board voted unanimously to declare the Board of Education meeting of May 12, 2025 — when they voted 5-1 to not renew the contract of Staples High School boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense — “null and void.”
The FOIC based its decision on a complaint by Oost-Lievense that the Board’s decision to go into executive session at 9:23 p.m. that night — following 12 hours of testimony — was illegal.
Among the issues: whether the executive session was actually necessary to protect student privacy — and whether a vote to do so was ever taken at all.
The FOIC voted “no,” 7-0, on both complaints.
On Monday, the Board of Education will discuss — first in executive session, then in public — possible next steps.
Dan, I think you had a story about this person not getting rehired. Maybe it was a few years ago? Commenters were upset, If my memory serves me correctly.
Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act is a useful tool for the citizenry. Try it. Let me know if I can help.
It’s sad that the vocal minority remains so bitter when perhaps their efforts may be better “planted ‘ elsewhere.