News Item

Journal News: "Dougherty: There is some explaining to do at Somers"
Are the best interests of the student athletes being served at Somers, or are the personal interests of an influential few taking precedence?
Cue the crickets.
It’s almost impossible to get both sides of the story when a popular high school coach is removed from the sideline. Administrators instinctively run for the cover of a popular district policy that prohibits any discussion of personnel issues.
There is no transparency, no accountability.
Somers athletic director Roman Catalino met with Tuskers girls basketball coach Kristi Dini on Tuesday and informed the former Boston University standout that she would not be coming back next fall to build upon the best season in program history.
Why?
“I can’t comment on that,” Catalino said.
Parents of players in the program are currently organizing behind the scenes, hoping to get the answer.
Good luck.
“There isn’t a law that prohibits school officials from commenting, but there also isn’t a law that requires them to comment,” said Emily Waldman a professor at Pace University School of Law, who specializes in employment and educational law. “I think most school districts think it’s safer not to say anything in a personnel matter. There’s more of a legal incentive not to say anything. If you don’t say anything, then you can’t be held liable.”
Read more: http://www.lohud.com/story/sports/columnists/mike-dougherty/2016/04/27/d...