To the Editor: I would like to thank the Warwick School Committee Chair Karen Bachus for bringing to light the importance of qualifications for elected officials as well as employees of the Warwick school system. Take for example the recent treatment of
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To the Editor:
I would like to thank the Warwick School Committee Chair Karen Bachus for bringing to light the importance of qualifications for elected officials as well as employees of the Warwick school system.
Take for example the recent treatment of coach Tom Dolce. I am certain, there was a serious deliberation on the part of “Bachus & Co.” when deciding to have his name removed from the coaching reappointment list, despite the recommendations of the Warwick school's AD, as well as the Superintendent of the Warwick school system. It must be Dolce's qualifications for the job!
Despite the imprimatur of coach Dolce on youth sports in Warwick for over 50 years, how could he possibly be qualified? From an unpaid assistant in 1968-1969 to Pilgrim High School’s New England Wrestling Championship team, to founding father and head coach of Warwick Pal's highly awarded wrestling program, as well as a distinguished 25 years as a high school board official of the RIWOA.
His position as assistant coach under famed track coach Bill Sheehan, followed by his head coaching appointment in those same track disciplines and subsequent State and New England champions and championships over 25 years; all culminating in his RI hall of fame induction. Despite this abridged history of Coach Dolce's athletic qualifications, I can certainly understand why our august school committee would eliminate his name from the reappointment list.
To be fair, historical qualifications of this same school committee might also be considered. Their decisions are responsible for over 52 percent of the property taxes we pay in Warwick. The chairperson's “clinical social worker” background, as well as her friendship with the vice-chair, must certainly afford them instant credibility to lead the decisions of the committee. But then again, maybe not. While (Kyle) Adams and (David) Testa have probably the most germane qualifications, their experience appears thin at best. With no disrespect intended, committee member Cornell should probably take a few accounting courses while he is still in college. Yes folks, these are the qualifications or lack thereof, of your elected officials who control 52 percent of your taxes. Scary, isn't it?
Shame on this school committee for disparaging the reputation of Coach Dolce, with heretofore uncorroborated complaints which Dolce has not been allowed to address or refute. Specious claims do not merit his name being removed from the reappointment list.
Shame on them for not doing their jobs. Simply unconscionable! Coach Dolce is eminently qualified to be reappointed as head coach of the PHS track team. I can't or won't say the same for the reappointment of this school committee, come election time.
Patrick A. Doran
Warwick
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bendover
TOUCHE' Patrick.
Thursday, February 28, 2019 Report this
richardcorrente
Dear Patrick Doran,
"No disrespect intended??" No disrespect intended??!!?? Are you kidding me?
The only intention of your letter-to-the-editor was to unfairly and prematurely disrespect several members of the School Committee. Why don't we wait until we learn the final decision at or shortly after the next School Committee meeting before we start assessing "shame"? Wouldn't that be FAIR to everyone?
Happy St. Patricks Patrick. And Al Demirjian?
Happy St. Patricks everyone.
Rick Corrente
The Taxpayers Mayor
Thursday, February 28, 2019 Report this
Cat2222
FAIR to everyone would have been for the two of them to have a discussion with the coach about the "complaints" prior to removing his name without warning or communication. Fair would be for transparency and open governing. But, not so fast because the coach isn't going down without a fight and from all appearances, the community is standing right behind him DEMANDING answers. The FAIR thing to do now is for Bachus to come forward with the reason why this happened. We are all waiting.
Friday, March 1, 2019 Report this
DannyHall82
The Chair and Vice Chair share one brain
Sunday, March 3, 2019 Report this
patientman
I've seen an Athletic Director forced to choose between the AD's job and coaching basketball. I've seen a girls soccer coach and a football coach fired because of parents complaints. In all 3 cases there was an open & organized campaign by the parents to make a change. This whisper campaign of anonymous complaints is shameful. If Bachus & Cobden want him gone have the courage of your convictions to make public the reasoning. Firing (yes, I know coaches are year to year) this man should make every employee, parent & student concerned. Testa, Cornell, do you have anything to say?
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Report this
DannyHall82
Couldn’t agree with you more Patient Man, the whole campaign season Vice Chair Cobden campaigned on transparency. The Vice Chair also spread false rumors about Ms. Medieros. Seeing how Ms. Cobden lives in Karen Bachus rental property I can understand why Ms. Cobden won’t vote against her.
So much for transparency
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Report this