Levittown track coaching changes draw ire

MacArthur High School track students and their parents say their confidence in Levittown School District leadership is shaken after new coaches were brought in for this year’s winter season.

Several spoke out at the Board of Education meeting on Nov. 12, seeking answers on the changes that were made to the track and field program. The former head coach, Jamie San Filippo, resigned from the position because of family obligations, though he remains a phys. ed. teacher at the school. An assistant coach, Joseph Migliano, did not return.

“All coaches are appointed by the Board of Education for one school year,” said Superintendent Dr. Tonie McDonald. “At the end of the school year, all coaching assignments are completed. No member of the coaching staff was terminated or resigned, except Mr. San Filippo who resigned for personal reasons. The Board of Education has appointed the coaching staff for this school year.”

Linda DeSantis, of Wantagh, whose son has been on the team for the past three seasons, said the new coaching staff is inexperienced in track and field. She said her son has been successful in discus and shot-put, and is being scouted by colleges. She is concerned the changes could affect his opportunities for scholarships.

DeSantis said that San Filippo gave plenty of notice that he would not be returning for the 2014-15 season, and Levittown officials had plenty of time to find an experienced replacement. Several parents wondered why the former assistant coach was not moved up. “I am so disappointed in the way this district has handled this situation,” DeSantis said.

Alex Dempsey, of Wantagh, a member of the track team, cited the success of the program, including nine straight conference championships for the girls. “Why would you want to change a winning formula?” he asked the board.

Dempsey said that the team is comprised of highly specialized athletes who require personalized training programs and coaches who are knowledgeable in the different areas of track and field. He said the changes made to the coaching staff show little regard for the athletes.

His teammate, Jason Russo, of Wantagh, agreed. “How is this fair to the athletes who have been a part of this program for years?” he asked.

Russo, a junior, said his goal is to break the school’s triple jump record before he graduates, but is unsure that will happen without proper coaching.

Tom Coleman, of Wantagh, said from 2004 to 2012, 61 athletes from the team went on to participate in track and field at the collegiate level. “This has been a top-notch team and an award-winning team,” he said. “Things were working well.”

McDonald, who son is a graduate of MacArthur, said he was a member of the track team. “We’re well aware of what track does for kids,” she said. “We don’t think it’s anything less than a sport.”

The winter track season started on Nov. 12. Parents said that in previous years, practices would have begun well in advance, but that was not the case this year because of the coaching changes. Andrea Dempsey, whose statement was read aloud by students at the board meeting, described the district’s handling of situation as “haphazard.”

She noted that her son, Alex, worked very hard and is planning to pursue pole-vaulting in college. “He became successful because of the good coaching,” her statement read.

MacDonald said the district is doing its best to support MacArthur’s track program. McDonald said the search for a new coach was initiated soon after San Filippo said he would not be returning. The new head coach is also a phys. ed. teacher at MacArthur.

Additionally, McDonald said, the district has already hired two assistant coaches — the second was approved by the board at last week’s meeting — and a third was expected to be appointed at this week’s planning session.

“We have every confidence in the staff we have chosen,” McDonald said. She added that San Filippo will continue to work with juniors and seniors on the team in helping them explore track and field opportunities for college.

McDonald said that she could not comment further on personnel issues.

“We look forward to a successful track and field season,” she said.