New Details Released Concerning Firing Of Daniel Hand's Boys Soccer Coach

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MADISON, CT – Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice elaborated Monday on why Daniel Hand High School boys’ soccer Stan Latkowski was abruptly fired from his job last week. Scarice said that Latkowsi “used incredibly offensive and insensitive language, including vulgarities and derogatory comments regarding specific identifiable groups in the presence of our student athletes – his team.”

An assistant coach of the team was also let go for his role in the same incident. Scarice called the whole incident “very unfortunate,’’ noting that Latkowski had been with the school district for 17 years, 10 years as head coach and had no prior incidents.

The superintendent described the coach “as very remorseful and saddened” by what has happened, a reaction that Scarice added that he was glad Latkowski had.

Scarice said while the coach received “support from his current team and former players, the district sets the bar for what we determine acceptable behavior and this was clearly not acceptable.”

The schools’ boss added: “What’s important is that we have an opportunity right now, particularly in this world that has become so tumultuous, where people feel that can launch verbal grenades with impunity, to try and set an example of how to handle matters like this.”

Scarice said that in many ways the next step is up to Latkowski.

“He is removed and the next steps will be completely on him. If he is interested in redeeming his stature in the athletic and greater school community in Madison, he could have the opportunity to reconcile,” Scarice said.

“This, by no means, does not excuse the behavior in the slightest, but it does offer an opportunity to repair the damage done.

“We would set out conditions,” Scarice continued. “Again, this is all on him. “These would be conditions by which he must comply, and comply in an authentic way so that he can apologetically mend the damage done."