Loose lips irk Lew-Port teacher union president

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September 7, 2010

Teacher’s union president wants to know how information on Ricotta got out

By Nick Mattera Niagara Gazette The Niagara Gazette Tue Sep 07, 2010, 10:42 PM EDT

NIAGARA FALLS — An often rocky relationship between the Lewiston-Porter Teacher’s Union and school board has one again heated up this week after “confidential” personnel information regarding an agreement that will allow an embattled former soccer coach to retain his teaching position by agreeing he will never be able to coach again was provided to the Niagara Gazette.

Teachers Union President Kevin Jaruszewski said the information regarding the agreement was discussed behind the closed doors of an executive session and having the issue made public is not just a violation of state education law, but of the union’s trust.

“By letting the information out, even if it is board members, it’s an improper practice,” Jaruszewski said. “There was obviously wrong-doing yet again by the board. When we have personnel issues and we come up with agreements that are made in executive session and it gets leaked out by the board — we have an issue.”

Lew-Port soccer coach Sam Ricotta came under fire last month when a Gazette investigation determined he falsely told opposing players and coaches a member of his soccer team suffered from Tourette syndrome. These allegations allowed the player to use profanity and play more aggressively without penalty. An internal investigation was completed by the district and a source told the Gazette an agreement was reached which will allow Ricotta to retain his teaching position while never being able to coach in the district again.

The agreement, which has yet to be signed by Ricotta, was expected to be reviewed by the school board Tuesday during an executive session, however, it is unclear whether the union will advise Ricotta to sign it.

Only union representatives, Superintendent R. Christopher Roser and the school board were part of the discussions surrounding the agreement, Jaruszewski said.

The union referred details of the situation, including the alleged board malpractice to a representative from New York State United Teachers, who Jaruszewski said would be able to provide guidance in the matter.

According the union president, confidential information, including collective bargaining details and other personnel matters have been leaked by board members to the press in a number of other instances in the past.

“It’s an ongoing issue,” he said. “The board is jeopardizing not only the current negotiations but trust in general.”

The district and the LPUT have spent the better part of the last two and a half years negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement.

Jeff Dabill, a labor relations specialist with NYSUT, said the breach of confidentiality is a hindrance for any future relations between the district and the union.

“In regards to the specific situation, it’s unfortunate because the (alleged) board member spoke out of turn,” Dabill said. “There is no signed agreement yet (as of Tuesday afternoon)”

Dabill said the school board members should be policing themselves and should be contacting the commissioner of education regarding the leaking of confidential board personnel matters.

He said NYSUT is exploring other options including improper practice against the board.

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