Absegami High School Teacher Denied Request to Coach Lacrosse

The Greater Egg Harbor Regional Board of Education stood by a decision it made at an earlier meeting not to reinstate teacher Greg Goodwin as an additional lacrosse coach.

The board did nothing at Monday night's meeting, despite public cries to reconsider.

Nearly 50 people, including lacrosse team members, parents and fellow teachers, attended Monday night's meeting in hopes of convincing the board to take another vote—this time approving Goodwin as an additional coach, a role he's held for many years.

The parents, teachers and team vowed to keep returning until the board reinstated Goodwin.

Goodwin, who has taught for 25 years—19 at Absegami—is said to have started the lacrosse program at the school and has held an active role with the team since its inception. Yet, the public could not fathom how the board could take the stance it did when Goodwin had been highly recommended.

Parent John Murray noted that Goodwin had the full support of Superintendent of Schools Steven Ciccariello, School Principal Jerri-Lynn Gatto and the athletic director. Yet "if the board goes against the recommendation of the superintendent, the high school principal and athletic director, what does that say about their confidence with the school administration?” Murray asked.

Parents and fellow teachers said they also worry that the board's decision not to reappoint Goodwin as a volunteer coach is a vendetta against the teacher who, they stated, their children still regard as a coach. However, due to the board's decision, Goodwin cannot even go on the playing field to be with the team.

Goodwin also noted during the public session that he had never been asked to appear before the board—in open or executive session—to answer questions.

The board held two closed sessions. One was held prior to the public meeting and one at the very end, for which the board cited student and personnel issues. The board only took action on two student matters; nothing more was said about Goodwin or the concerns raised prior to executive session. Earlier in the meeting, board member Robert Ross said there is no vendetta, but added that every decision he makes is personal.

Someone must have said something to persuade the board to take the action it did, teacher Mark Glickstein said during the meeting's public session, and asked, "What were you told?"

Board members said nothing, though board solicitor Lou Greco advised Glickstein to be careful about what he said in public session to avoid saying something that could be deemed libel.