SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Despite allegations of bullying, Columbia High School’s four baseball coaches were re-appointed to their positions during the Feb. 22 Board of Education meeting.
The board voted 6-3 in favor of re-appointing head baseball coach Joseph Fischetti and assistant varsity baseball coach Matt Becht. The three dissenting votes were cast by BOE President Elizabeth Baker, Johanna Wright and Chris Sabin.
In addition, junior varsity assistant coach Sam Maietta and freshman Coach Stephen Campo were re-appointed.
These votes came after numerous residents spoke out during public comment — some in support of the coaches and some pushing to have the coaches contracts terminated for alleged bullying behavior toward players.
Despite the re-appointments, the matter is not closed. Superintendent John Ramos said at the meeting that the district plans to hire an independent investigator to find out about any Harassment Intimidation and Bullying violations in the baseball program.
For more on this, check back in with the News-Record in print on March 3.