Soccer dad Ralph Gallina said he felt "bamboozled" Monday night after the Norwin School Board approved the list of fall sports coaches, including the reappointment of the varsity girls soccer coaches whom some parents have petitioned against for the second consecutive year.
Gallina was among about 22 parents who turned out for the vote, but failed to speak both times the board asked for public comment.
"What happened?" he said after directors adjourned the meeting, noting he brought a prepared statement.
Last week, former soccer dad Dave Penska spoke on behalf of a group of parents. He was not present last night.
Audience members said they were confused by the board's actions last night and did not realize directors voted, 6-3, to retain veteran head soccer coach Dana Ferry and his assistant, Troy Shasko. Another assistant coach, Lori Havrisko, also was approved.
Ferry, who has been head coach since 2000, came under fire in January 2007 as well as last week by parents who said they wanted the board to consider their concerns about his coaching methods. They also said they selected a spokesman because they feared repercussions against their daughters.
Directors Becky Gediminskas, Jeff Rutkowski and Del Nolfi voted against the appointment of the soccer coaches.
The board typically combines groups of motions in subheads on the agenda and votes on them collectively. The vote on the fall sports coaches was included in a collection of nine motions under the "Co-Curricular" subhead.
The board permits public comments twice during the regular voting meeting. Residents may comment on agenda items before the vote, as well as after business is completed. No one responded when board President Robert Perkins called for comments each time, much to his surprise.
"I even waited both times for someone to speak," he said.
Director Thomas Sturm said he waited for the motion to adjourn for public comments.
After the meeting, Gediminskas attempted to help the parents voice their opinions. "We have a bunch of frustrated people here. Can we reopen the meeting and let them?" she said.
Solicitor Alfred Maiello said the vote was taken and the meeting was adjourned, so that was not possible.
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