Tag Archives: Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice

Roundup: Soccer Coach Hearing; Library, MoCA, VFW Events …

Posted on September 8, 2025 | 7 comments

Eight months after his contract was not renewed, former Staples High School boys soccer freshman coach Chris O’Dell will finally receive a hearing.

The Board of Education meets this Friday (9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), to consider his appeal.

In addition to serving nearly 20 years as a freshman and assistant coach, O’Dell is a former Staples captain. He played on the state champion 1993 squad.

O’Dell says, “I am asking and expecting that Board members Lee Goldstein and Dorrie Horden recuse themselves from my hearing. They each have a relationship with the family behind the allegations. It obviously renders them incapable of making an impartial decision in my case.

“I am also asking that Kevin Christie not recuse himself from my hearing. I have only met him once, for 2 minutes at a social function. There is absolutely no reason for Mr. Christie to recuse himself from my hearing.”

Christie did recuse himself from the May BOE appeal hearing by Russell Oost-Lievense. The contract of Staples’ former head coach was also not renewed, by superintendent of school Thomas Scarice. Oost-Lievense has sued the BOE, after they upheld Scarice’s recommendation. 

O’Dell says, “I look forward to this opportunity to clear my name.” In addition to coaching, he owns The O’Dell Group, a design-build collaborative specializing in residential construction.

Chris O’Dell

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The Westport Library’s Verso University — a series of high-level classes, workshops and lectures — opens soon, for the fall “semester.”

A special symposium — “AI and Us” — explores the implications of artificial intelligence across legal, civic, creative, business, healthcare and technological spheres. Multiple perspectives range from policymakers and technologists to journalists and academics. It’s set for Saturday, October 11 (12 noon to 5:30 p.m.). Click here for details, and to register.

Other courses include:

  • “Astrology for the Advanced Beginner” (3 weekly sessions starting Thursday, September 11, 2 to 3 pm).
  • “Ask a Pediatric Specialist” (3 monthly sessions starting Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
  • “Grace Farms Art and Architecture Tour” (September 17, 12:45 to 2 p.m.).
  • “Kickoff to Fall: Happy Hour Cooking Class” (September 19, 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
  • “Visual Storytelling: Develop Your Photographic Vision” (3 weekly sessions starting Thursday, October 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m.).

There is a nominal fee for most classes, from $15 to $25 per course. “Ask a Pediatric Specialist is free. Click here, then scroll down to the calendar for more information, and registration.

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“Endless Summer/Forever Friends/Long Live the Arts” — an evening of art, music, food and beverages, and intriguing conversation, all benefiting MoCA CT — is set for Saturday, September 20.

Tickets are $80 for members (gift included), and $100 for non-members (1-year membership included). Click here for more information, and to purchase.

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Board members celebrated Tony McDowell’s retirement as Earthplace executive director this past weekend, at Compo Beach.

The popular administrator stepped down recently, after 12 years at the helm of the environmental and sustainability non-profit.

Earthplace board chair Mo Tooker (far right) reads a proclamation for the town of Westport. Tony McDowell is 2nd from right. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)

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Speaking of shoreline celebrations: The Compo Beach Improvement Association held their annual block party yesterday evening.

The weather cleared, and dozens of families celebrated the end of summer (and a bit of quiet to their neighborhood). Old Mill Grocery & Deli — an around-the-corner favorite — catered.

Adults chatted. Kids played. Dogs roamed.

And this scene caught “06880” photographer Laurie Sorensen’s eye:

(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department is branching out.

Into comedy.

They’re a sponsor of a September 20 comedy show at VFW Post 399.

The 8 p.m. show is headlined by Sean Donnelly, of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.”

Click here for more information, and tickets. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)

Sean Donnelly

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Heavy equipment is in place at the Compo Beach Soundview parking lot. That’s a staging area for renovation of the tidal gates and pedestrian paths at Sherwood Mill Pond, near Compo Cove.

But before the machines could get going last week, there was one special task: moving the sun.

Brian Suter captured that dramatic moment:

(Photo/Brian Suter)

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Always-observant Johanna Keyser Rossi offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, from the Westport Library Riverwalk. She writes:

“This is a first for me: seeing a turtle come out of the water at very low tide, looking in the mud for food. He was eating either a marine worm or a small fish.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … speaking of turtles, Mark Volman — co-founder of the pop group with that name — died Friday in Nashville. He was 78, and had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2000. Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” and you: happy together. “06880” and your support of this hyper-local blog: even happier! Please click here to put a smile on all our faces, with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you :))

7 Comments

Posted in Arts, Library, Sports, Staples HS, Totally random

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Staples Soccer Coaches: Next Step In The Saga

Posted on August 5, 2025 | 19 comments

In May, the Board of Education rejected an appeal by Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s decision to not renew his contract.

Freshman coach Chris O’Dell was also not renewed by Scarice. His appeal hearing is set for September 12.

Westport’s loss is Fairfield’s gain.

The pair have joined the coaching staff at Fairfield Warde High School, and been embraced by the Mustang community.

Despite the ordeal, both coaches retain their love for the Staples soccer program. Both are graduates of the school, and former captains.

In heartfelt letters to players and parents, Oost-Lievense and O’Dell describe their long connection to Wrecker soccer; thank their supporters, and note that Staples and Warde will collaborate in the future — including a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research, when the teams meet on September 27.

Click here, to read the letters from the 2 coaches.

Russell Oost-Lievense, in front of the Staples High School boys soccer trophy case. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Chris O’Dell (Photo/Richard McColl)

 

 

19 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Superintendent’s Contract, Mandy Patinkin’s Show, Soundview’s Stroll …

Posted on July 24, 2025 | 9 comments

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice is getting a raise — and another year on his contract.

The Board of Education voted yesterday to give the town’s highest paid official a 4% increase, from his current $321,661 salary. Another year was also added to his 3-year rolling contract.

The vote was 5-2 in favor. BOE members Robert Harrington and Dorie Hordon voted against the increase. Harrington cited both finances and Scarice’s performance, in areas like renewals of coaches’ contracts, while Hordon focused solely on a raise that is above the national inflation rate.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

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In 2023, Mandy Patinkin sold out the Westport Country Playhouse.

His November 21 show is sure to do the same.

The Tony- and Emmy-winning star (“The Princess Pride,” “Yentl,” “Dick Tracy”) returns to the Westport stage in “Jukebox.” The show features classic musical numbers, hand-picked by Patinkin and presented in his own special style.

Tickets are $175 and $150. They go on sale tomorrow (Friday, 1 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Mandy Patinkin

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As “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Assocation put the final touches on this Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll (July 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), we’re looking for a few teenagers (or parents!) to help run games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts.

It’s already organized. We just need helping hands! If interested, please email at kristinemott@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, get ready to enjoy live music, eat, play, stroll, Rollerblade, and otherwise enjoy the Compo Beach exit road — closed to all traffic — on Sunday.

See you there!

Among the activities at last year’s Soundview Summer Stroll: chalking the street. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

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Immigrant justice is the topic of a panel discussion July 31 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

The event — sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Congegation of Westport — features Professor Cristina Jiménez, author of “Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear Into Pride, Power and Real Change.”

She is also an award-winning community organizer, former executive director of the nationwide immigrant youth organization United We Dream, and the recipient of a MacArthur “genius grant.”

Members of Make the Road CT will share stories, and discuss how to support efforts that push back against anti-immigrant policies. Click here for more information.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between July 16 and 22.

A 30-year-old Queens man was charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief, plus conspiracy to commit those crimes, following an investigation into a 2023 burglary of a Westport home. The stolen items — including jewelry and designer handbags — were worth more than $50,000. The suspect ws held in a New York correctional facility, and extradited here. He was unable to post a $30,000 bond.

A 56-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, following a domestic disturbance in a school parking lot.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonbly fast: 6 citations
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Larceny: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

Stay in your lane! Don’t pass unless it’s allowed!

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Longtime Westport resisdent Dr. Charles Huebner died in his sleep on December 29. He was 89 years old.

He was interred with full military honors at the Assumption Cemetery in Greens Farms last month.

Charlie was an active member of St. Luke Church — chairing the Finance and Parish Council for many years — along with the Patterson Club and Minuteman Yacht Club.

He was born in Hungary, and spent his early years in Budapest. Impacted by excesses of national socialism during World War II and the imminent Russian invasion, the family fled to Austria, before settling in Detroit.

Charlie earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (first in his class) from the University of Detroit. He was commissioned as an Air Force officer, then earned a master’s in aero/astronautics engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He completed his military service at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, then joined NASA’s Apollo space program as a project engineer, while also earning a doctorate from American University.

In 1968 Charlie and his family moved to Westport, when he transitioned to the corporate world. He held senior executive positions with General Electric, AMF and US Industries.

In 1990, after the fall of the Iron Curtain, Charlie led the Hungarian American Enterprise Fund, established by Congress to help open Hungary to private investments.

He moved to Budapest, where he spearheaded efforts to reform the country’s economic structure. Charlie was elected president of the American Chamber of Commerce there, and was a leading member of the Hungarian-American business community.

Charlie was a devout Catholic, and a Knight of Magisterial Grace in the Order of Malta. He was chosen by the Order to serve as a deputy ambassador to Hungary, a position that carried full diplomatic status.

Charlie met and married Suzan Lawlor in college. They raised 4 children in Westport: Chuck (Lucy), Christine Rohan (Paul), Diane Dillon (Peter) and Andrea Kalkstein (Bart). They survive him, along with 11 grandchildren.

After Suzan’s death in 1984, Charlie married Zsuzsa Korab and had a fifth child, Alexandra Doane (Bobby).  He was predeceased by his brother.

Services were held earlier this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Jesuits.

Charlie Huebner

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Our “Westport … Naturally” features has gotten a ton of egret submissions lately.

Here — from the Saugatuck River, by the Westport Library Riverwalk – is- one of the best:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … there are so many Mandy Patinkin songs we could choose (story above).

Here are 3:

(“06880” is your hyper-local source, for Westport news, events, history, photo, and much more. If you enjoy our work, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

9 Comments

Posted in Beach, Education, Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Obituaries, Politics, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

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Staples Soccer Coach Sues Board Of Education

Posted on July 7, 2025 | 23 comments

For months, Westporters have wondered about the incidents that led to the non-renewal of Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense, by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

A few details emerged during the coach’s appeal hearing in May, before the Board of Education.

But many other details were not made public. Scarice and/or the mediator for the Board objected to 7 witnesses, and dozens of emails and other evidence. The mediator also objected to every attempt by Oost-Lievense’s attorney to introduce information that, she said, would prove that the non-renewal was “arbitrary and capricious.”

Much of that information is contained in a lawsuit brought by Oost-Lievense, against the Board of Education. It was filed in Stamford Superior Court.

Russell Oost-Lievense

Oost-Lievense levels several charges against the BOE, including violation of his rights during the appeal.

His complaint details a 2022 incident, in which the coach addressed bullying by freshman and junior varsity players.

It also describes in detail an incident before the 2024 season, during a team-building retreat; Oost-Lievense’s handling of it; a complaint filed nearly 2 months later about it; and the post-season banquet that resulted in a charge of “insubordination” against the coach.

Oost-Lievense’s suit also includes information about false allegations made against him at a public BOE meeting; the roles of the Board’s “mediator” and their regular attorney, who at the appeal hearing represented the superintendent, Staples principal and athletic director; exclusion of evidence and witnesses; conduct of the BOE during the hearing; alleged conflicts of interest by 2 members, and more.

Oost-Lievense is seeking damages for loss of income, reputational harm, emotional distress, punitive damages — and a reversal of the non-renewal decision, or a fair appeal process.

Click here to read the full complaint, as filed in Superior Court.

Members of the Westport Board of Education, and (4th from left) the board’s mediator, at Russell Oost-Lievense’s May 12 appeal hearing.

23 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics, Staples HS

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Freshman Soccer Coach: Scarice Taped Our Confidential Conversation

Posted on June 20, 2025 | 29 comments

For several months, Chris O’Dell tried to get a response to the non-renewal of his contract as Staples High School boys freshman soccer coach, by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

O’Dell was ready for a Board of Education hearing on 4 dates, in March, April and June. Each time, the board balked.

Finally, 3 weeks ago, Scarice agreed to meet. Unknown to O’Dell, the superintendent recorded their conversation.

Chris O’Dell

The freshman coach raised that issue this morning, in the public comment portion of the BOE meeting.

“I won’t be bullied, embarrassed or blackmailed to not call out this abhorrent behavior,” O’Dell told the board.

After O’Dell’s 2 minutes were up, Scarice responded. He told the BOE that while the meeting was supposed to be confidential, he felt the need to tape it due to numerous “false statements” circulating about the case.

“Even if he felt he had to record what he said, he should have let me know,” O’Dell told “06880” after the board meeting. “What he did was completely unethical.”

The Board has offered one new date for O’Dell’s non-renewal hearing: July 23.

The coach told the board that it conflicts with a family vacation.

29 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Scarice: Update On “No Place For Hate,” Phone-Free Schools, AI Vision, More …

Posted on May 29, 2025 | 5 comments

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sends this update to all families of the school community:

Although the weather does not quite feel like it, we are rapidly approaching the end of the school year. My house is now full again with 2 returning college students joining their little brother, a high school junior, for summer break. The fridge is emptying faster, the laundry pile is growing taller, and the Wi-Fi is under more pressure than ever — but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’d like to provide the school community with some updates as we begin to close out the school year.

Last Student Day/Graduation
Our last student day will be an early dismissal on June 13.  The Staples High School Class of 2025 graduation is scheduled for June 11, at 6:00 p.m. on the football field.

We are almost there!  With longer days (when it’s actually sunny!), spring sports and activities, and our collective attention span pointing towards summer, it can be challenging for our kids to stay engaged. In the spirit of a strong finish, we ask for your partnership in keeping our students engaged over the final couple of weeks.

Field Days
Field days are a cherished tradition in our elementary schools.  We have worked to provide access for parent spectators this year, quite a challenge with parking constraints.

In addition, Staples will hold the first annual Staples Field Day (“Wrecker Fest ‘25″). Even with less than ideal weather conditions forecasted, these days will provide lasting memories for our students, staff and families.

Celebrating Our Commitment: All WPS Schools Designated as “No Place for Hate”
This year, our district deepened our decades-long partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) by committing each of our 8 schools to earn the “No Place for Hate” designation, a national, student-led initiative aimed at combating bias and bullying.

I am thrilled to share that every one of our schools has met the criteria to be officially recognized as a “No Place for Hate” school.

This milestone reflects the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff who have led meaningful, school-specific activities that promote empathy, respect, and understanding. The program empowers school communities to stand against all forms of prejudice and build a culture of inclusion.

The “No Place for Hate” initiative aligns with our district’s long-standing belief that a safe and supportive learning environment is foundational to student success. As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing schools where every student feels a strong sense of belonging.

Phone-Free Schools Update
Last June, I recommended restricting access to smartphones and wearable technology during the school day across all grade levels.

Since then, our phone-free initiative has been successfully implemented across all elementary and middle schools. Students at these levels now benefit from a learning environment free from the distractions of personal devices.

Throughout this year, we have continued to study and discuss extending this approach to Staples High School, culminating in my final recommendation to the Board of Education on May 15 (see pages 14-36) to establish a bell-to-bell phone-free school day.

The Board expressed support for this direction, while requesting that a detailed implementation plan be developed before final approval.

We are now taking the next step.

This summer, the administrative team will draft a comprehensive implementation plan. This will address key considerations, including:

  • Operational logistics and containment mechanisms
  • Implications for classroom instruction
  • Potential phased-in approaches and flexibility for upperclassmen
  • Strategies to ensure clarity and consistency

Once the draft is complete, it will be reviewed and refined with input from a working group composed of faculty, students, and parents.

Importantly, the charge of this group is not to determine whether to move forward with a phone-free day, but to guide how we implement it effectively.

We look forward to working in partnership with our school community as we take this important step toward enhancing focus, well-being, and authentic engagement at Staples. We will continue to share updates as this work progresses.

A Bold Strategic Vision for AI in Westport Public Schools

As I’ve shared throughout the year, I made a bold recommendation to the Board of Education: to position Westport Public Schools as a national leader in public education’s artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

This vision began to take shape in real time. This year, Westport was honored to be one of only seven districts in Connecticut selected to participate in a statewide AI pilot program. The pilot was a resounding success—allowing us to explore where AI can meaningfully enhance teaching and learning, and just as importantly, where it may not yet be appropriate or effective.

Guided by our unwavering commitment to maintaining the humanity of our schools, and to augment—not replace—the work of our educators, we are taking the next step.

This summer, we will be developing a set of strategic objectives for AI that clearly define Westport’s vision for the thoughtful integration of this powerful tool. These objectives will address four key areas:

  • AI and the Student
  • AI and the Teacher
  • Ethical Considerations
  • Operational Efficiencies
  • “Future-Proofing” Our Schools

Our work will be framed by a set of essential questions that guide inquiry, reflection, and innovation, each embedding our values. The resulting draft plan will be shared with the Board of Education, culminating in a final presentation when we reconvene in September.

Westport’s leadership in this space is not just about technology—it’s about ensuring our students and teachers are prepared, protected, and empowered in a rapidly changing world.

My best to you and your family.

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Posted in Education

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Staples Students’ Walkout Supports Coach, Blasts Administrators

Posted on May 16, 2025 | 48 comments

Chanting “We want Russ back!,” “Fire VJ!” and “I don’t recall!,” over 200 students walked out of class and rallied in front of Staples High School this morning.

They supported Russell Oost-Lievense — the boys soccer head coach whose contract non-renewal was affirmed by the Board of Education on Monday — and opposed those board members, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, and Staples principal Stafford Thomas and athletic director VJ Sarullo.

“I don’t recall” referred to Thomas’ answers during testimony on Monday. More than a dozen times he said he did not remember events leading to the decision to not rehire Oost-Lievense, who coached at Staples for nearly a decade and had been a captain there before graduating in 2008.

(Photo/Ryan Allen)

Using megaphones, rising captains Dylan Shackelford and Gabe Hellman addressed the crowd.

Alexis Krenzer, a girls soccer player who is coached by Oost-Lievense on her club team, also spoke.

Calling Oost-Lievense a coach who taught her “the importance of integrity and heart — not just in soccer, but in life,” she said, “We’re not here to cause disruption or disrespect. We’re here to stand up for what’s right. We’re here to support Russell, just as he’s supported every one of his players.

“We’re here because fairness matters. We’re here because those in power should be held to the same standards they ask of us. And we’re here because even though staying quiet might be easier, speaking up is what’s right.”

Alexis Krenzer (Photo/Ryan Allen)

One speaker — referencing Oost-Lievense’s work as a special education teacher, and an opponent of bullying — noted, “Russell had our back. Now it’s time to have his.”

Another said, “This was clearly a biased and flawed process. No one should be treated with disrespect. Accountability starts now.”

Across the street 50 parents, alumni and news media watched the rally. The crowd included BOE member Robert Harrington — the only one to vote against Scarice’s non-renewal recommendation — as well as Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella, attorney Steve Shackelford, and Oost-Lievense’s mother.

Supporters on North Avenue. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The students acknowledged Harrington, with a cheer. They also asked “Where’s the board?”

With police nearby, Thomas watched the proceedings at the entrance to the school.

Staples principal Stafford Thomas. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

The walkout was organized by an ad hoc group called #WreckersforRuss.

On social media, they said:

We’re not just walking out for Russ.
We’re walking out for:
— Every coach and teacher who shows up for us.
— Fairness and transparency in Westport.
— A system that actually listens to its community members.

(Photo/Ryan Allen)

They asked “What really happened to Coach Russ?” Their answers:

It wasn’t about abuse. It wasn’t about harm.

It was about a system that chose silence, blocked witnesses, ignored facts, and punished the wrong person.

We’re sharing this so everyone understands: This wasn’t fair. This wasn’t thorough. This wasn’t right.

Russ stood up for us. Now we stand for him, and every coach and teacher who could be next.

Gabe Hellman (Photo/Ryan Allen)

Organizers also noted the coach’s testimony from Monday, describing his father’s death when Oost-Lievense was a junior at Staples,

He said that some of his father’s last words were: “Look after the ones who look after you.”

“He’s done that,” organizers of the rally said. “But the administration didn’t do the same for him.”

(Photo/Ryan Allen)

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Inside the school, moments before walking out. (Photo/Zach Beebe)

The start of the walkout. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

(Photo/Ryan Allen)

The view from above. (Drone photo/Michael Cammeyer)

(Photo/Ryan Allen)

Returning to class. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

Marion Oost-Lievense. (Photo/Dan Woog)

48 Comments

Posted in Categories, Education, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS

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[OPINION] Harrington: Staples Athletic Director Must Step Down

Posted on May 14, 2025 | 36 comments

At Monday’s 14-hour Board of Education hearing, members voted 5-1 against overturning superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s decision to not renew the contract of boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense.

Robert Harrington was the only member voting to reinstate the coach, a former Staples captain whose appeal was bolstered by the presence of dozens of players. Harrington writes to “06880”:

1)  The Board of Education failed Westport in the soccer head coach non-renewal hearing. Why did they act like a rubber stamp, and were not concerned with all the withheld evidence and witnesses from our administration?

2) At the tennis coach non-renewal hearing earlier this year, BOE chair Lee Goldstein recused herself. For this soccer hearing, it was first selectman candidate and BOE member Kevin Christie’s turn. Why did Kevin recuse himself, and avoid having to make an important decision? Is that leadership?

3) Staples Principal Thomas Stafford was not in command of any details at the hearing, and represented the Westport Public Schools poorly. Why was he asked to give evidence, yet other valuable witnesses were blocked by Westport Superintendent?

4) I am calling for athletics director VJ Sarullo to immediately step down. When will the drama in the Staples athletics department end?

5) Restoring coaches’ confidence in Westport: What is next for non-renewed soccer coaches?

Robert Harrington

I love being on the Board of Education. But during large parts of a 14-hour testimony on Monday, I felt our community was let down by both our school administration and the actions of the Board of Education.

I am not afraid to vote in a different direction than my fellow board members.

I respect my fellow Board of Education colleagues — but not on this matter. The lack of any questions by the majority of the board toward the administration speaks volumes. Their silence was deafening. The absence of sitting BOE member and nominated Democratic candidate for first selectman Kevin Christie stood out.

I have been a strong supporter of superintendent Scarice on many issues. However,  I was highly disappointed with his decision to block 8+ witnesses from the hearing on Monday. This indicated a clear bias.

There are dozens of emails that board members are being prevented from seeing. What is in them?

There was only a very limited investigation into “the incident” in 2024. The investigation basically only lasted from October 24-29. After this date, no additional information or witnesses were considered.

However, there was no communication or updates to the coaches. The administration was playing the long game, and stretching thing out —  just as they had done with the tennis coach investigation.

I have serious concerns about how this administration conducts investigations. I also saw this in the antisemitic bullying situation with the Goldberg family last year. There seems to be a pattern here. It is my strong view that the very limited investigation into the soccer coaches was an egregious failure of governance and due process.

Furthermore, the performance and lack of clear answers from the three administration witnesses was highly concerning to me. It doesn’t appear that this was concerning to other board members.

An image of “3 stooges” entered my head on my midnight walk home: the superintendent, Staples principal and athletics director. They could barely recall basic facts about the case.

Staples principal Thomas Stafford seemed to recall almost zero details on any of the matters. His testimony was disrespectful to Westport, the players, and certainly the coaches. Was this the best evidence that was on offer for Westport? Are they taking you seriously?

From left: principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, at Monday’s hearing. 

I truly believe athletic director, VJ Sarullo should lose his job. He is overseeing a sports department that is bungling from one crisis to another. Soaring legal costs. A non-renewal case for a long standing tennis coach that was rightly thrown out, as the paperwork wasn’t correctly done.

A community of sportsmen and women and parents that seems to be turning against him. A tone-deaf approach to abolishing the 60+ year tradition of the Bock “S” award. The list is building. Numerous coaches have reached out to me since the hearing on Monday.

Athletic director VJ Sarullo replaced the traditional block “S” with a generic plaque this year.

Monday’s hearing was an embarrassment to Westport Public Schools and our town. There are more hearings on the way – and probably more legal challenges too.

No wonder our athletic director can longer afford to keep a 60-year+ old Block “S” tradition alive, with all these legal bills building up on his watch.

Let me summarize the lack of evidence and transparency in this hearing from your school district:

The Administration objected to 8 witnesses — including the former athletics director (who was trashed by the Superintendent during the hearing, with zero right to respond). They also did not permit the assistant suprintendent for human resources and coaches in other sports programs at Staples to testify, who could provide insight into training and policies.

The Administration prevented us (and you) from seeing dozens of emails. We will never know what is in them.

When I asked our attorney the weekend before the hearing about this exclusion of evidence, it was suggested I might need to recuse myself, and risk being responsible for a “7-fold increase” in legal costs for BOE.

No one that was a witness to either the 2022 or 2024 incidents was called as a witness by our administration. 

Students who were direct witnesses in 2024 came forward to be interviewed by our administration. This was rejected. 

Many current players supported coach Russell Oost-Lievense at Monday’s hearing. 

The administration admitted that a 2022 coach evaluation was not produced — or they don’t have it. (The notice of non-renewal from our administration did not explicitly refer to an incident in 2022. However, it formed a large part of the administration’s oral testimony)

The Administration would nor or did not make available a report into their own independent investigation of the 2022 situation for the hearing. It never presented the report to the coach back in 2022.

– The Administration would not or did not make available the Department of Children and Family Services report from 2022 that found no wrongdoing by the head coach. 

– The Administration reported a misleading call to DCF about a “physical” interaction between a student and (a different soccer coach) in 2024, and knew this not to be the case. Despite this exaggerated report, DCF declined to investigate and notified the administration the same day.

No coaches’ handbook exists in Westport Public Schools. Fortunately. we were told, “We are working on it.”

To be clear: there was no suggestion that head coach Russell Oost-Lievense was physical towards a child. He was not.

Additionally, there was also no suggestion that the head coach had any verbal integrations or disagreements was a student athlete in 2024. He is accused of not reporting a verbal disagreement between another coach and a student.

Both coaches at the hearing said the other coach and student “hugged it out” and resolved their disagreement shortly afterwards, and both apologized to the their teammates.

Furthermore, whilst suspended on full-pay the head coach attended an end-of- season banquet not hosted by the school, nor at the school, and not a school event. He received multiple invitations from booster clubs, players and parents.

He has also asked for clarity, and ultimately left a message to the athletic director informing him that he would be attending the banquet.

The athletic director did not respond or communicate with the head coach about this. Furthermore, neither the superintendent, Staples principal or athletic director attended the banquet, despite the total lack of clarity within the Boys Soccer program. Maybe it wasn’t important to them?

I am glad and proud that head coach Russell Oost-Lievense attended the end of season banquet.

No one in my family plays soccer, and I have never met any of the Staples soccer coaches who were non-renewed in late 2024, until Monday. I was impressed by the head coach and the bond he has formed with his team.

Most of them sat there for 14 hours on Monday. It was a real community. I was proud as a father, and as a board member.

Head coach Russell Oost-Lievense (standing, 3rd from left), with players during a break in Monday’s hearing.

I heard his impactful testimony about how he stood up against bullying on the team in 2022. He immediately reported a truly serious matter back in 2022 to our administration, and they seemingly did nothing.

The compassion and vulnerability from the coach was plain for all to see. He is clearly there 24/7 for these kids, in a role that probably pays $7,000 per a year. He is a full-time teacher in Darien public schools, and has been employed for many years with no issues from that district.

I would be proud for any of my children to have been taught and/or coached by him.

I am deeply concerned with the way this administration and Board of Education have treated this coach.

I know they made the argument on Monday that the program was better off without him. I disagree. The sad statement from me as a sitting Board of Education member is actually the coach maybe better off without Westport or Westport Public Schools.

I have never been more proud than to stand separately from the board, and the embarrassment of a case that the administration made and I witnessed on Monday.

Head coach Russell Oost-Lievense should be reinstated. Staples athletic director, VJ Sarullo should do the right thing, and immediately step down.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com for details.)

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[OPINION] Staples Students Learn Real Life Lesson About Power

Posted on May 14, 2025 | 19 comments

“06880” founder and executive editor Dan Woog writes:

I told the 50 or so Staples High School students who gathered in Town Hall on Monday morning that they would get a far better education about the real world that day than if they were sitting in class.

I did not know that 14 hours later, that lesson would be how heartless the world can be.

And how little some adults care about them, compared to their own desire for power.

Staples students — boys and girls soccer players, and many others — came early for Monday’s hearing.

Staples boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense’s appeal to the Board of Education, to overturn superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s decision to not renew his contract, had all the makings of a TV drama.

There was procedural jousting between attorneys over the admissability of evidence; witness testimony and cross-examination that was at turns riveting and rambling; and a raw, emotional explanation by Oost-Lievense about why — after all he’s been through — he still wanted to lead Staples soccer.

Discussing his work as a special education teacher, his own journey through Westport schools with a learning disability, and his father’s death during his junior year, he described his love for the soccer program, and his desire to give back.

The dozens of athletes in the front rows, there to support him, sat riveted. They’d been sitting for 8 hours already. They’d heard back-and-forth about a verbal argument at a preseason retreat they’d attended.

And they’d heard a discussion about an investigation into it, during which not one of them had been questioned.

They watched as administrators sat smugly on their side of the stage, and Board members sat stone-faced, even during the most powerful testimony.

Staples principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

“I think their minds are made up already,” one player said.

“No, they’re supposed to listen to everything, and be impartial,” a teammate countered.

As the night wore on, and the Board of Education retreated upstairs into executive session, the teenagers remained. They ate pizza. They chatted with Oost-Lievense and freshman coach Chris O’Dell.

They waited for word — after testimony, they and many others in the room believed, that showed Scarice’s decision to be “arbitrary and capricious” — that the coach who loved them, and who they loved back, would return to the program they and he adored.

At 11:15 the verdict came, with stunning finality. Five BOE members voted to uphold Scarice’s non-renewal recommendation. Only Robert Harrington voted against it.

At 11 p.m., dozens of Staples students waited for the Board of Education decision. Many left during the day for a class or two, or sports practice, then returned. All watched the proceedings closely. (Photos/Dan Woog)

The Staples players got a lesson in how the world works, for sure.

The world is not fair. It’s not always what they want. It can be arbitrary and capricious.

And so they — and Oost-Lievense’s many supporters, and other Westporters involved with all sports — wonder what’s next.

Why, for example, would any man or woman want to coach in a school district that does not support its coaches — that, in fact, casts them aside with little regard for their longtime contributions, personal reputations and heartfelt emotions?

Why would any coach not fear that an accusation of bad judgment could lead to non-renewal, without even a suggestion of working together to find a solution?

But why, on the other hand, would some coaches fear any discipline at all, knowing that in some programs, serious lapses of judgment lead to no sanctions whatsoever?

Why would any educator want to work in a district that seems so callous? Oost-Lievense testified that in Darien, where he is a special education teacher, supervisors cared deeply about how he was feeling, throughout his ordeal.

No one in Westport ever asked.

And why, in a district that so often pats itself on the back for its achievements in the classroom and beyond, is there such disregard for the very reason any school exists: the young people in it?

On Monday morning, I thought the many teenagers in the Town Hall auditorium would get a lesson in justice, fairness and compassion.

On Monday night, they got that lesson. They learned that some people care more about power than about those very human bedrock values.

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As Board Of Ed Listens, Speakers Favor Staples Smartphone Ban

Posted on May 7, 2025 | 5 comments

Students don’t know their classmates’ names, because they seldom look up from their phones.

Those phones offer addictive dopamine rushes.

And when students go tech-free, it’s like they’re different people.

Those were some of the sentiments expressed last night, at a special Board of Education meeting. The session, at Coleytown Middle School, was held to hear residents’ thoughts on a proposed smartphone ban at Staples High.

Right now, phones are not supposed to be used during class. The proposal, from superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, could involve “pouches,” like those at Wilton High. They are locked at the beginning of the school day, and unlocked at the end.

Students handing in phones, to be locked in pouches. (Photo/Allan Jung for Worcester Telegram & Gazette)

The overwhelming majority of speakers favored some sort of ban.

And the vast majority of speakers were adults. Very few students attended.

Moderator Velma Heller — a retired teacher and administrator, and former Representative Town Meeting (RTM) moderator — began by asking attendees if they support a “bell to bell” phone-free high school.

Larry Perlstein, whose daughter is a junior, does not.

Larry Perlstein (Photo/Katherine Phelps)

“Today’s world is all about devices,” he said. “You can’t survive without it. Kids need to learn how to use it appropriately.” He would, however, support a “phased-in” ban.

But Perlstein proved to be an outlier.

Victoria Marcus has elementary age children. She also teaches high school in Bridgeport. She’s the one whose students don’t know classmates’ names, and said, “bell to bell is my time with students.”

Barrie Rosen — mother of a 7th grader — fully supports the ban, beginning next year. “We have heard from Wilton that it is beneficial,” she said. “It is time for action.”

Susanne Hall Armstrong, who has a junior at Staples, supports the ban. Her older children do too, she said, citing the potential for greater social interactions.

John Schwartz — who called phones “addictive,” with their dopamine rush — said that his daughter’s grades improved when he took her phone away.

Staples High math teacher Maggie Gomez recounted a conversation with a freshman. He looked up from a lunch table, and saw all his friends on phones.

“The ban will only do your children good,” Gomez said.

Some parents cited concerns about the proposed ban. One said that using pouches to lock phones is not a good use of teachers’ time.

Noting that teenagers often find ways around rules, he said, “My kids are going to have a device in the building. Period.”

He added, “as parents, we expect to be able to reach our kids.”

Tracey Brenner, the mother of elementary schoolers, countered, “A phone is not a safety device. It is a parental safety device.”

Nathaniel Martin, whose son is an 8th grader, urged the Board of Education to analyze the history of phone use. “We need excellent evidence as to why they should have phones,” he said.

Board of Ed members listened to all sides. They’ll render a decision later.

As the meeting ended, parents texted their spouses to say they’d be home soon.

Their children were already home, studying.

And perhaps on their phones.

(Reporting by “06880” intern Katherine Phelps)

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