Coach keeps his job after public outcry

Kaczor will continue to lead Lyme-Old Lyme High varsity basketball team

“I am excited that the parents and players not only trust me, but have fought for me to be their coach.” KIRK KACZOR LYME-OLD LYME HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COACH

Old Lyme — The Lyme-Old Lyme school district has reinstated Kirk Kaczor as the high school’s varsity boys basketball coach after parents, past and present students, and staff supported him when they learned his basketball contract was not renewed for 2018-19.

Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser has confirmed that Kaczor’s non- renewal as basketball coach was rescinded.

“We are looking forward to a great basketball season next year,” said Neviaser, who declined to comment about why his contract was originally not renewed after 16 years.

After learning that the district had not renewed Kaczor’s contract as basketball coach, 16 people had sent letters earlier this month saying they wanted him to con- tinue coaching the team, with even more people showing up to the June 6 Board of Education meeting to support him.

Kaczor, who is also a math teacher and golf coach at the school, said Monday he is overwhelmed by the support he has received from the community.

“Players and parents both current and past, teachers, coaches, students, it just seemed like everybody stepped up during this time,” he said. “Our community, Lyme and Old Lyme, is a great place to be and I certainly know that I am for- tunate to be a small part of that.”

“I am excited that the parents and players not only trust me, but have fought for me to be their coach,” he added.

Jocelyn Jenik, a parent of a team member, said the players and parents who supported him are overjoyed that the school district reversed its decision.

Jenik said those supporting him felt the school district had made its initial decision without all the information

about the coach’s performance last year. She said that once the school district heard positive comments from people, rather than only negative comments from some parents whose children were cut from the team, the school district understood the good Kaczor was doing for the team and other students, she said.

“It really goes to show sometimes we’re too slow to offer our positive words, but negative words always come out more quickly,” Jenik said.

“I’m just thoroughly impressed that the district listened to the voices of this com- munity and made a decision that really puts my mind at ease as far as being proud of where my son goes to school,” said Carina Using, a parent of a basketball player.

“My son is obviously very, very excited and happy, and I think this was also a really great lesson for these boys in standing up in a respectful and respectable way for what they believe in and what they care about,” she said.

She added that the experience has bonded the players even closer as a team and even more with their coach.