The large crowd gathered Friday in the Town Hall auditorium had plenty of questions.
Would they be able to speak in support of Kris Hrisovulos, the multi-state champion-winning Staples High School boys tennis coach, as he appealed the non-renewal of his contract by Westport administrators?
What would the Board of Education — the group hearing Hrisovulos’ appeal — think about the reasons given for non-renewal?
Would some of the underlying elements of the case — a complaint by a parent not made through the usual chain of command, for example — be discussed openly?
Staples tennis players were among the large crowd at Friday’s Town Hall hearing.
None of those questions were answered.
After more than 2 hours of debate, the board reached a consensus. The appeal hearing ended, because Hrisovulos had not been given timely, proper and legal notice that his contract was not being renewed.
What the hearing did reveal, however — through questions that were raised, and others that were not, yet loomed unasked over the proceedings — was a number of flaws in Athletic Department policies and procedures.
They include:
Evaluation of coaches by superiors.
Expectations of, and training provided to, coaches.
Support given to coaches by administrators.
Expectations of parents regarding the role of interscholastic athletics, and the coaches of those sports.
Handling of complaints made by parents, particularly those that go outside the defined chain of command (coach first, then athletic director, principal, and finally superintendent).
Process for timely, thorough investigations, including input from student-athletes.
Communication with, and respect shown to, student-athletes and their parents.
Transparent discussions of conflicts of interest.
One positive consequence of Hrisovulos’ long and expensive battle to retain his job as tennis coach is this: Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, Staples principal Stafford Thomas and athletic director VJ Sarullo have an opportunity now to refocus their relationships with coaches, athletes and parents.
They can re-examine policies regarding the hiring, supervision and evaluation of coaches. They can re-set expectations of when, where and how parents can make complaints known — and how to react once a complaint is made.
They can acknowledge the excellent work being done by so many coaches, in so many ways, for such low pay. They can celebrate coaches’ accomplishments, on and off the field and court — and help them improve in areas where it’s needed.
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)
Posted onJanuary 29, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Paul Shaffer, Christine Ohlman, Laddie Lawrence …
For half a century, Paul Shaffer has entertained America. .
On April 6 (11 a.m.), the legendary “Saturday Night Live” performer and David Letterman’s musical director will entertain a few hundred guests, at the Westport Library.
Shaffer’s special mix of music, comedy and entertainment will be on display, as a special attraction for the VersoFest Oral History Podcast. He will also perform on the piano.
He’ll speak with fellow “SNL” alum (and iconic Beehive Queen) Christine Ohlman. She will host the conversation fresh off her Library appearance for her annual Winter Dance Party with her band, Rebel Montez.
The event is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Tickets are $25. Click here to purchase.
Shaffer and Ohlman’s appearance is just one of many highlights, during VersoFest’s 4 days of music, media and creatvity, from April 3 to 6. For more information, click here.
The Board of Education will hold a special meeting this Friday (9 a.m.). Staples High School boys tennis coach Kris Hrisovulos is appealing the non-renewal of his contract.
The meeting will be held in Rooms 307/309 at Town Hall.
Staples High School boys tennis coach Kris Hrisovulos
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Everyone needs a warm hug.
Thursday, February 6 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) marks the Westport Farmers’ Market’s annual Operation Warm Hug.
There, at their Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center winter home, they’ll collect lightly used coats, hats, mittens, sweaters and sweatshirts, to share with nOURish in Bridgeport.
Longtime — very longtime — Staples High School track coach Laddie Lawrence has a new project.
He’s collaborating with former runner (and later coaching colleague) Amanda Parrish Morgan on a book about his life.
It includes his youth and career as a star Wrecker runner himself, his career, his athletes, his relationships with the town and the running community, and much more.
Amanda hopes that many people who know Laddie will contribute stories about him. Humorous, serious, inspirational — all are welcome.
Speaking of Staples: Congratulations to seniors Alessandro Alderucci, Alexa Fass and Maxwll Manchester; juniors Susan Monaghan and Ella Slade, and freshmen Edison Kousky and Anita Vinokur.
They’re the school’s Students of the Month.
The honor recognizes students who help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers.
Principal Stafford Thomas calls them “the ‘glue’ of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
From left: Maxwell Manchester, Alessandro Alderucci, Alexa Fass, Edison Kousky, Susan Monaghan, Anita Vinokur, Ella Slade.
February is the shortest month (fortunately). But at Earthplace, it’s packed with activities. Among them:
“Family Campfire: National Bird Feeding Month” (February 8, 1 to 2:30 p.m.): Marshmallows, animals, guided activities and more.
“Bluebird Houses” (February 9, 1 to 3 p.m.): Build a nest box to have ready for spring; designed for school-aged children with caregivers to do togther.
“Snow Moon Hike” (February 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.): A guided hike along trails in a full moon; listen for owls, and pick out constellations.
“Craft and Sip: Pressed Flower Candle Holders” (February 13, 6 to 8 p.m.); Bring drinks and snacks, then join friends to create a simple craft.
“Maple Sugar Magic” (February 23, 1 to 3 p.m.): Help tap a tree, then sample maple goodies around a campfire.
“Wild Roots: Conserving Genetic Diversity with Native Plants” (February 27, 7 to 8 p.m.)
In addition, Earthplace offers full- and half-day Vacation Day Camps over winter break (February 17-21). The theme is “Food Preservation with Natural Cooking.”
Click here for details, on the Earthplace website.
Questions? For nature programs and events, email v.swain@earthplace.org. For Vacation Day Camp, email s.bell@earthplace.org.
Kris Hrisovulos has quite a resumé as Staples High School boys tennis coach.
In 14 years at the helm, he has won 8 state championships and 5 FCIAC titles.
He was a 2022 finalist for National High School Tennis Coach of the year; the ’22 State Coach of the Year, and ’19 Sportsman of the Year. The winningest coach in Wreckers’ boys tennis history, he is also a Staples High School grad. As a member of the Class of 1999, Hrisovulos starred in both tennis and soccer.
He is respected and admired by generations of players and parents. Now, however, he is fighting a decision by the school to not rehire him.
According to a GoFundMe page for donations to his legal representation, he is also battling to “clear his name from unjust accusations” that led to the administrative decisin.
“The legal expenses to defend himself already amount to almost four times the stipend volunteer coaches like Kris get at the school for their priceless contribution to the community,” the GoFundMe page says.
It adds: “The school has failed to provide any details — including the results of a thorough investigation, or if one ever took place — and it is therefore unclear what information is public and can be shared at this point.
“What we do know is the strength of Coach Kris’ character, professionalism, and love for tennis education …. (T)he outpouring of support from players, parents, and residents speaks volumes about his record, his character and contributions to the Westport community.”
Athletic director VJ Sarullo declined an “06880” request for comment.
Speaking of which: The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport invites everyone to a special meditative service in their Lyons Plains Road sanctuary this Friday (December 20, 7 to 8 p.m).
It is “a quiet, reflective time for those of us who need such space in the midst of so much activity.”
The UU church adds: “This time of year, with so many holidays and celebrations, can bring joy and excitement to many. At the same time, it can also bring up memories of friends and family who are gone; of the challenges in our lives we are facing; and of the long nights that bring on the winter blues. This time to come together will help to dispel these blues and bring light into our lives.”
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation also invites residents to the Christmas Eve service (December 24, 9 p.m.).
Speaking yet again of Christmas: Chabad Lubavitch of Westport is hosting a “Chinese Chanukah Party” at 5:30 p.m. that day.
There’s a good reason for the date: It’s also the first night of Chanukah.
The event includes a menorah lighting, fire show, latkes and donuts — and of course (because this is Christmas) Chinese food. Click here for more information.
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Speaking still of the holidays: Westport’s winter fundraising drive — to send children from our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine to a camp in the mountains, a respite from a third winter of war — continues slowly.
Our goal of $56,000 would enable 200 boys and girls to enjoy time together, with teachers and therapists, at Karabin. The sports, crafts, games and movies — along with schoolwork — takes place in a setting far removed from their hometown, a few miles from the Russian front.
Right now, Lyman’s youngster have been evacuated. The therapeutic camp is a chance to enjoy normalcy, with friends and trusted adults.
It costs about $280 to send one child to Karabin, for 10 days.
How about it, Westport? Can we raise $56,000, to ensure that 200 kids in our sister city enjoy time away from the terrors of the past 3 years?
Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”
Students from Weston’s sister city of Siversk, at the Karabin camp. Westport is raising funds for children from Lyman, our sister city.
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meeting set for this Thursday (December 19) has been canceled.
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Jazz at the Post ends the year with a bang!
Guitarist Paul Bollenback headlines this Thursday’s shows (December 19, 7:30 and 8:45 p..; dinner from 7; VFW Post 399; tickets $20, veterans and students $15).
He’ll be joined by bassist Bill Moring, drummer Rudy Royston and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
And finally … on this date in 1903, the Wright brothers made the first controlled powered, heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
(As noted above, every family has its own holiday tradition. Here’s one all can embrace: a year-end gift in support of “06880.” Please click here to start it off. Thank you!)
Bridgeport’s Central High School had boys and girls tennis teams. Had is the right word — budget cuts eliminated funds for both sports.
Andrew McConnell swung into action.
Andrew McConnell
His story is as unlikely as his team’s. The longtime Westporter spent 2 decades on Wall Street. But a decade ago he switched careers. He’s now a 9th grade social studies teacher at Central — and the tennis coach.
Because tennis was life-changing for some of his players — it builds confidence, and teaches leadership and character — he set out to save Central tennis.
One of the biggest costs is transportation. McDonnell — who is on the board of First Serve Bridgeport — got that after-school program to serve as a conduit for fundraising.
He had a bold idea: Buy a van. That would not only help with transportation fees (school buses are exorbitant to rent); it could also be used by First Serve throughout the year.
McConnell set up a GoFundMe page. The “06880” story brought an outpouring of donations, including a substantial gift from Westporters Mike and Becky Goss.
That helped purchase — and renovate — a van.
Then, First Serve Bridgeport endowed the team with its first college scholarship. Girls captain Phonsavanh Keophannga now attends Fairfield University.
But there’s more: FCIAC coaches honored the girls team with the league’s Sportsmanship Award.
And McConnell was named Boys Tennis Coach of the Year.
Voicing support for Central’s program was Staples state champion boys coach (and former FCIAC awardee) Kris Hrisovulos. He cited the Bridgeport school’s effort, sportsmanship and character.
McConnell returns the compliments. “My team and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to compete with the best teams in the state — and more importantly, to allow our players a chance to excel on and off the court,” the Westport educator/coach/mentor says.
(Click here to learn more about First Serve Bridgeport.)
A collage of Central High School’s boys and girls tennis teams.
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