This is the email I got from the BOE president today. She
acted like there was something "serious" that the public didn't know
about. Yeah, uh huh.
Dear Ms. Kirkpatrick,
Thank you very much for your thoughtful letter re: Mr. Freischlag. I
understand the shock that this has caused for many who have known Mr.
Freischlag over the years. I want to assure you that the actions taken are not
of a...
political nature. It is truly a painful decision that has been made, however
as board members, one of our very important responsibilities we have is to
protect the privacy of district employees. Therefore, details of the situation
can not be discussed with the public. I understand that it can lead to
mistrust and concern by those who don't have full information, but it is
something that can't be compromised.
Our current wrestlers are just beginning their season and we hope the
community will continue to provide support and encouragement to them and their
new coach (Luke Baum, Wayne graduate)as they adjust to these changes.
Thank you again for contacting me. Have a happy Thanksgiving -
Susan Newman
#
Burt Freischlag HA!
November 23 at 12:21am · LikeUnlike · 1Loading...
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Christina Cross wow. wow.
November 23 at 12:23am via mobile · LikeUnlike
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Gus Zaso What a crock of shit.
November 23 at 12:23am via mobile · LikeUnlike · 3Loading...
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Sarah Green Of course they'd say something like that, then they don't have to take responsibility for the wrong they are doing. Ugh! Good old Wayne Central...
November 23 at 12:26am · LikeUnlike · 3Loading...
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Scott Fry does any one know of any actions taken by the teachers union?
November 23 at 12:26am · LikeUnlike · 1Loading...
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Nicole Kirkpatrick I was very PC when I wrote her and told her, basically, that I've known Mr. Freischlag since I was in middle school and he was a great teacher. And I asked her why they are getting rid of a good teacher especially since public education has been going down the crapper with a quickness. Eh, figures she wouldn't have any answers. I might have better luck with Ms. Lyke. She was my 8th grade math teacher...
November 23 at 12:31am · LikeUnlike · 2Loading...
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Carol Jean Lambiase-Young It absolutely IS political. They have been harassing him for months!
November 23 at 7:20pm · LikeUnlike · 1Loading...
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Denise Fosco Kolb did the BOE help make this final decision or was it the solo act of one?
November 24 at 12:24am · LikeUnlike · 2Loading...
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Kathy Freischlag @ Denise...Education Law S1701 and Public Officers Law S105(1) ensure that however BOE members speak individually in executive session, that they must act collectively....HOWEVER....what is important for people to understand is that the BOE members are answerable TO THE PUBLIC who elects them...NOT the Supt who has her own agenda
Scott
was one of the few teachers i worked with at wayne who i had the most respect
for~~he is honest~fair~and gave is all to the students~even to me as a staff
member he was always there to listen and offer advice~guidence~and his much
valued opinion
While
neither of my girls were coached by Scott, I can say that the strength and
integrity of this family did not happen without moral, ethical, loving and
supportive parents such as Mary and Scott. The interactions of this family in
the community through education, athletics, and volunteerism is the foundation
in which I am sure Scott instilled in his team and his students. I would venture
to say that he even shared this with wrestlers from other teams. If you believe,
then you cannot sit down and watch this happen. I encourage you to be there Dec
15th in support of Coach Freischlag.
YOU
know what im thankful for this thanksgiving Coach Freischlag and his teachings
and morals. He is an amazing man. It would be a shame if more students never got
to meet and learn from coach Freischlag.
#
Andrew Nagel jchampagne@wayne.k12.ny.us,
dhibbard@wayne.k12.ny.us, tnicholson@wayne.k12.ny.us,
dp0327@cityofrochester.gov, jtriou@wayne.k12.ny.us,
Rgarrett@wayne.k12.ny.us, newmans@rochester.rr.com
November 24 at 10:35am · LikeUnlike
#
Andrew Nagel if you agree take a minute and send this to our "amazing" BOE
November 24 at 10:36am · LikeUnlike · 1Tim Jones likes this.
#
Steve Young I totally agree Drew!!!
November 24 at 10:51am via mobile · LikeUnlike
#
Scott Fry yea buddy coach did so much for us, and all the students that ever crossed his path,
Scott
was my neighbor for 10 years. I have been involved in local organizations for my
entire adult life and this whole situation sounds like politics to me......
This
really doesn't make any sense
Like
everyone else.. I think this is ridiculous.. and its just another one of wayne
centrals mistakes.. and coach has a lot of people behind him on this.. I had him
as a teacher in middle school and I've never had such a caring teacher..
everyday I would walk into school and would get a good morning and a smile and
sometimes even the jokes.. lol he always looked out for me and whenever I had a
problem I would go to him for advice.. on another note honestly, in my opinion,
wayne wrestling wouldn't be what it is today without him..
outstanding
coach..outstanding person
I never had Coach Freischlag as a wrestling coach like alot
of you guys did, but I had both him and his father as football coaches all the
way from youth league up through high school and he was a great coach and a
great guy. I don't live around here anymore and I don't really know what
happened, but I just wanted to say that he spent more time and effort than
anyone in the entire district to push...
and coach his students and athletes, and I find it hard to believe that he
could have done anything that could warrant all of this. I grew up just down
the road from him and I would be willing to bet that he spent less time at
home than any other teacher or coach Wayne has ever had. For years, during the
fall he was a full-time teacher, helped guide people in the weightroom, and
coached football, and that was his off-season. As everyone from Wayne knows,
wrestling was his main focus, and from the first frost all the way through
about the day football started, he spent hours out of every day guiding people
to state championships. He was so involved that his idea of a vacation was to
take a long weekend and go coach a few of his guys at a wrestling tournament
across the country. Everyone knows his coaching accomplishments, but Coach
Freischlag was alot more than just a good coach. I had a rough up-bringing and
anytime coach saw me out in my yard when he was running by on his daily jog,
he would stop and ask how things were going and make sure I was alright, and
anytime he saw me in school he would ask me how things were going not only in
sports and in school, but also at home. Coach Freischlag is the most dedicated
person our district has ever had, and in return for the countless number of
hours he spent teaching and coaching thousands of kids over the years, the
only thing he really wanted in return was to see everyone reach their
potential. I don't know the circumstances that surround all of this, but
anyone that had him as a coach knows that not everyone was Coach's favorite
person, but if you weren't, you wanted to work as hard as you could to become
his favorite. Some people didn't like the old school, tell-it-like-it-is
style, but most of the people who didn't like him as a coach, simply didn't
like to be coached. He wasn't the type of coach who accepted excuses or a lack
of effort, but his endless list of championships and this page full of people
supporting him should be all the proof that anyone needs to see that he is a
great Coach and a great man.
the
2001 class was extremely lucky to get coach Freischlag for 6 years as we were
there when he moved from OE over to Thomas. Gym class was the best period of the
day with him, and I know every singe guy (because most of the time we were
separated by gender) looked up to him and respected him.
When
i was in middle school he gave up his lunch period so we could have free gym at
lunch i remember him sitting in the gym just watching use play soccer, and
basketball instead of eating his lunch.... this must be a sign of a real bad
teacher... right? Wrong... thanks to him i do the same for my students
Matthew
Bauman One man influencing
thousands through the ages
Scott
is a great American, a strong tough leader who has never accepted less than
everything within one's being. I only regret that Scott did not coach me when I
terrorized my wrestling opponents, he would have propelled me to a NY State
Championship, as the meanest boy to ever wear a Lew Port singlet I lacked a
teacher who would have made me a champion. You all have a special man that Scott
Freischlag, appreciate and embrace him then accept him as a flawed human and if
you can not then please don't look in the mirror.
Ann
Johnston I have known Scott since
he was a teenager and had many happy times with him and his family. I only wish
that we had Scott at Lew-Port or someone of his high caliber. My grandsons will
soon be playing high school sports and I only wish it could be like the glory
days when the Freischlag family was an integral part of Lew-Port sports.
This
is extremely important. Everyone needs to attend the vote on Dec 14th on the
budget for repairs. Lets make our voice heard before the BOE meeting and show
the Superintendent and BOE exactly how we feel about them and their choices.
VOTE NO ON DEC 14th!
Andrew
Nagel what exactly are we saying
no?
Kathy
Freischlag That we don't agree with the way they handle OUR TAX
MONEY...Where is all the money in reserves we had? If the school is in such a
poor state of repair WHY did the Supt feel it was SO important to have 'matching
desks' for 2 million dollars??!!! Or to redo the District Office twhice since
she has been here? There are plenty of things that can be shaved off that 14.8
million dollar bill! We can still get a lot of that stuff handled with a NO
vote.
Nicole
Kirkpatrick Historically, there is less than 1% turnout for school board
elections in towns. Which makes it very important for people to vote, especially
on issues that you want the school board to address.
Mr.
Lonsberry gave an overview of the link between Scott reporting the missing funds
to administration and the retribution toward him. He also said Garrett ruined
the Mt. Morris school, where he is from, as superintendent, before coming to
Wayne.
Coach
has made and changed countless of peoples lives including mine, a big part of
the man i am today is because of him and he was like a second father to me...whats
going on makes me sick to my stomach and everyone needs to show their support
and take action...coach freischlag is one of the best men iv ever known in my
life.
Gus
Zaso I'm sure most of us can say
thanksgiving was a time where we all said we were thankful for what he has done
for us at some point in our lives. This is the least we could do for a man that
has gone above and beyond for all of us.
From
what I have read and heard about this situation it sounds like someone on the
board and or booster club is trying to cover their backside at Scott's expense.
Dirty politics at best, bordering on crinminal if you ask me. Stay strong Scott,
I don't doubt you will. We have your back.
Carla
Tarana Boerman EXACTLY.
Helen
M Cassady Freischlag Wanted to let you know theses are the words of your
cousin Eric, but I totally agree!
Harold
Shippy I have known Scott,s
father and mother for over 55 yrs.They are a great family i am sure Scott has
done nothing wrong,keep strong Scott.It will work out in the end.
Coach freischlag is not only an outstanding coach and
teacher, but he is an incredible person. Not only was he a role model and
extremely positive influence in my life, but also to countless others. I can
honestly say that I would not be half the man I am today if coach wasn't in my
life. He gave me direction and purpose when I was young and needed it most. he
is one of the only assets that schoo...l
district had, they are unappreciative and dont deserve such an outstanding
person on their faculty. Things have been going down hill drastically in that
school district and the decision by the board and superintendent to release
coach is a shining example of their incompetence. We have your back coach,
it's the least we can do for you after everything you have done for us.
Pete
Nothing
but a waiting game. Scott keep your chin up. Will say a prayer in Church tommaro.
For
those of you that live in Wayne Central School District. You can file complaints
with the NYS Dept of Education. If enough people within that district file a
complaint, then they will have their own investigation.
www.op.nysed.gov
NYS Office of the Professions: Information on
Professional Misconduct and Discipline
Is
there an organizer effort going on to make a formal objection to the school
borads actions? Scott Freischlag coached my son many years. He was an
outstanding coach who made a very positive influence on all of "his
kids". To have something like this happen to someone who has dedicated his
life to education is disgusting. I have been away from Wayne for awhile. I
cannot believe that something like this situation could occur. The academic
staff, community and student body should make the school board accountable. Do
let a man of honor such as Scott Freischlag be treated in this manner.
Kathy
Freischlag If you do...be sure
you 'CC' the State Ed dept....link above!!
Nicole
Kirkpatrick Also, remember to note the BOE elections. School boards always
have really low turnouts. If you live in Ontario...vote them out when it comes
to elections. THAT will send a message.
Angela
Affronti mailto:conduct@mail.nysed.
gov
Mr.Freischlag
was the best thing that ever happened to Wayne Wrestling. he should never of
gotten fired, the Corts family is definitely behind you
As a
past President of the Wrestling Booster Club, I was extremely surprised to hear
that anyone is questioning Scott's integrity. From my experience working with
him and watching my son's development, I always found Scott to be deeply caring
of the program and the kids who participated. I never had any reason to question
his honesty. He demands that kids always do their best, certainly more a reason
to keep him in the system.
Craig
Litt Ann my comments regarding
Dom will not be posted in a public forum. Happy to converse about this email or
voice.
Superintendent Garrett and Board of Education Members,
I cannot express to you my outrage over the decision to fire Mr. Freischlag as
coach of the Wayne Wrestling team and put him on leave as a physical education
teacher at T.C. Armstrong Middle School.
I have known Mr. Freischlag for many years, both as a teacher and a parent of
one of my friends. I have also observed him in action as an inf...luential,
inspiring and dedicated football and wrestling coach. In all capacities, Mr.
Freischlag has been respectful, professional and caring towards everyone he
encounters.
Throughout my educational career at Wayne I was a soccer player. Even though
Mr. Freischlag coached other sports that he was more invested in, he always
asked me about how my team was doing and showed an interest. I know I am not
alone in this experience. Mr. Freischlag values all of his students, and I
would often hear him asking different students about interests specific to
them. Most teachers have difficulty remembering names when teaching multiples
classes a day, let alone getting to know students personally. Somehow Mr.
Freichlag managed to balance it all and make each student feel important every
day. That is not something I can say about the majority of my teachers.
I know many of his former athletes are writing on behalf of his abilities as a
coach, which are immeasurable. However, let me further advocate on his tenure
as a teacher. Mr. Freischlag is as motivating as a teacher as he is as a
coach. Middle school is a tough time for many kids. It’s not easy to get a
bunch of adolescent girls to participate in physical education at the
beginning of first period when they don’t want to mess up their hair. It’s
equally as challenging to get students who may not be in the best shape to
push themselves among peers without feeling embarrassed. Some students just
plain don’t feel like they fit in. The ability to motivate these students is
not something that is taught in pedagogical courses; it is something you have
or you don’t. I can undoubtedly say that Mr. Freischlag has it, because as
one of those adolescent girls, I was always excited to come to his class.
To rob the current and future students of Wayne the opportunity to experience
the mentor, coach and teacher that many of us were so blessed to know would be
a travesty. Some school districts are never lucky enough to hire a man with
the dedication, drive, compassion and moral compass that Mr. Freischlag
embodies. How lucky is Wayne that he has stuck around for over twenty years?
Along with my classmates, I plan on continuing to support Mr. Freischlag
throughout this ordeal in any way possible in order to secure the best
possible future for both him and the students at Wayne.
Sincerely,
Megan Gommenginger
Class of 2007
Nicole
Kirkpatrick They will give some very PC "oh we can't talk about
personnel issues blah blah blah" response. but at least they know people
are angry.
Alexander
Wingate I've sent Garrett a FOIL request, if his termination was the result
of misconduct, Garrett must disclose the circumstances surrounding that. If it
wasn't, then she will be forced to implicitly state that by saying the request
for disciplinary action documents was fruitless. Either way, we'll have our
answer.
While I highly doubt Mr. Freischlag had anything to do with the missing money,
I'm not sure I would care that much if he did. There are other actions the
district could have taken that wouldn't have deprived the students of such a
positive influence. Megan said it best, Mr. Freischlag just made you feel
important every time he saw you, and he could motivate even the least athletic
of us, that's a talent and a gift that should not be wasted.
Nicole
Kirkpatrick Hahahaha I'm so glad you're gonna be a lawyer Alex.
Ann
Disalvo Good Luck! Garrett and Newman pick and choose who they are going to
respond to. There probably having meetings just to discuss who their going reply
to. That letter Mrs. Newman wrote to Nicole has got to be the first time I have
ever seen a actual response from that women. She is so tight up Garretts you
know what, that she cannot think for herself. Garrett probably reviewed your
letter and ok before she sent to you. Garrett and the Board of Education
President give eveyone the speech on all about students. That's a line of crap.
They only care about themselves.
Ann
Disalvo I encourage anyone to write to the NYS Commissioner of Education.
Kathy
Freischlag @Ann here's the address: www.counsel.nysed.gov/
appeals/
Nicole
Kirkpatrick @Ann...she sent it back within like a few hours. But she
also copied Garrett. Which didn't surprise me.
Angela
Affronti @megan we need to email Albany. The school board is not
going to do anything. They are on her side. She is spending district money on
hotel rooms and fancy dinners. There is more to this than firing the coach
believe me. Every cent she spends money on can be foil requested.
Megan
Rose @Angela- I am on board to do whatever. I will forward this
letter to anyone and everyone and write additional ones if thats what it takes.
Let me know where to send and I'm on it :)
Angela
Affronti Send the letter to conduct@mail.nysed.gov
Good
Morning,
I am writing this email to express my concern for the Wayne Central School
District. Recently after 21 years of service Scott Freischlag was abruptly fired
with no reason. Mr. Freischlag was my physical education teacher and my
wrestling coach. Mr. Freischalg is so much more than the average teacher and
coach. He has worked day and night to take an average wrestling team and made
them into one of the best in the state. As a teacher he taught me the value of
education. If it was not for him I probably would not have the life I have
today. Coach Freischlag was so inspiring that I became a physical education
teacher and wrestling coach. I wanted to have the opportunity to give back to
students what coach Freischlag gave to me. Coach taught me and encouraged me to
do my best all the time, never give up, be on time, HONESTY, and so much more,
all of which I now instil on my students and athletes.
Superintendents Garrett and the Board of Education have made a very impulsive
decision, with little knowledge of the repercussions. Mr. Freischlag did the
right thing, reporting the missing money from the boosters, but then he was
punished by being transferred to the elementary school, and he had to fight to
keep his job as the Varsity Wrestling coach, which he had been the coaching for
21 years. Now he has been put on administrative leave and is no longer the coach
of the wrestling team. According to the little communication that Superintendent
Garrett and the Board have provided, it has been said that's it’s a personnel
issue and cannot be discussed. However it has nothing to do with the
investigation of the Booster Club by the state police. Being so close to recent
happenings in the district, it seems very hard for them not to be linked.
I am currently taking class to become an educational administrator and one of
the big things that has been stressed and taught in my classes is that you must
do what is best for the students no matter what. In this time when teachers have
gotten a bad reputation I do not know why a school would get rid of such a great
teacher who has so given so much to the school and had such a profound effect on
the student body.
Below are several links in regards to this matter. The first two are news links:
http://waynecounty.whec.com/
news/news/
59947-police-investigate-wayne-
hs-wrestling-booster-club-scho
ol-fires-popular-coach
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=AwD_IIDl8Qk&feature=pla
yer_embedded
The next link is the Facebook page that we have put together to show our support
for Mr. Freischlag:
http://www.facebook.com/
groups/283692321675248/
284622984915515/?notif_t=like
I ask that you look into this matter. So many people have been affected by Mr.
Freischlag both as a teacher and a coach. It would be a great loss to the Wayne
Central School District if Mr. Freischlag was to be let go over politics.
Thank You for your time.
Sincerely,
Andrew Nagel
Bronx School for Law Government and Justice Physical Education
Beacon Wrestling
just sent to: conduct@mail.nysed.gov
as well as out lovely sup. and the amazingly dedicated board....
waynecounty.whec.com
A popular local wrestling coach suddenly fired and it
happens in the middle of a State Police investigation. This story has a
number of layers to it. We're going to try to peel off a couple for you.
The New York State Police investigation is looking ...
Nicole
Kirkpatrick Has the D&C
picked up the story yet? The more media attention, the better because it will
put more scrutiny on Garrett. I'm sure this is only the tip of the iceberg with
her...
Just
a quick update in regards to the BOE meetings. The Dec 1st BOE meeting with have
a very limited time for speaking by the public. That night, your support is much
more important at the home wrestling match VS Penn Yan. The BOE meeting on the
15th is supposed to have no limit on time for speaking by the public, So FULL
SUPPORT would be appropriate for this meeting! Thanks everyone.
does
anyone know when alumni night is?
Gus
Zaso Alumni night is on the 22nd
I just
sent an email to the following people at the D&C dandreat@democratandchronicle.
com,sorr@democratandchronicle.
com,jdiveron@democratandchroni
cle.com,jjohnson@democratandch
ronicle.com
Jerry
Freischlag
Over the years of Scott's career at Wayne his mother and I have developed
friendships with parents, gotten to know many of his athletes and enjoyed their
successes on the mat and their careers after high school. Wayne has been a big
part of our family's life. Our daughter moved to Ontario from Colorado so that
her son could grow up in the Wayne community. Another son kept abreast of Wayne
wrestling during multiple deployments as a Navy SEAL in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The recent actions of Wayne's superintendent of schools illustrate the
injustices possible in the institutionalized framework of school administration.
It is also evident that this assault on our son, your neighbor, your
former/current teacher and coach has unleashed the heartfelt support of the
people he was given responsibility for during the past 21 years teaching and
coaching. We are appreciative for former wrestlers - Andy Nagel, Joe and Gus
Zaso among many - for giving transparency to this sordid affair and directing
positive initiatives on Scott's behalf. We are equally thankful for the words of
young women and men through Facebook who benefited during their formative years
from Scott's teaching and personal interest in them at Wayne Middle School.
Scott has confided in me during this difficult period starting with the missing
Booster funds as well as his protests over mistreatment of Wayne athletes by the
administration. The superintendent
acted against him - transferring him to the elementary school, requiring that he
apply to coach, mandating that he follow a baseless improvement plan in his work
then firing him and removing him as a teacher - only after he complained to a Bd
of Ed member that the administration's handling of the missing funds was
affecting his work environment. On the Friday before Thanksgiving week he was escorted
from school grounds and prohibited from setting foot there again. The counsel I
extended was not simply from father to son but was based on a two year stint as
a Wayne coach during my retirement years as well as a 32 year career as a
university professor in which I trained physical ed. teachers and coaches.
Scott's decisions and actions were unhesitatingly in the best interests of his
students. Moreover, he has always had unfailing loyalty to Wayne schools and the
community. He turned down offers to work at two prestigious Monroe County
schools to remain at Wayne. I am as convinced of this right course of his
professional and personal lives as are the numerous testimonies offered on these
pages by those who have known him. Yet Scott faces a difficult challenge to
reverse Ms. Garrett's actions. It is our belief that multiple initiatives -
legal representation, reports to NYS education and government
offices, and notarized statements coordinated by current Wayne Wrestling Booster
members of Scott's fitness to teach and coach - must be pursued. Scott is a
strong guy - but he can't do this alone. Jerry Freischlag, Nokomis, Fl
Joanne
Whitbourne Mr. Freischlag how can they ban him from the school when his
daughter attends school there and school elections take place there //
Christine
Coumbe I really hope all this support is heard... The board of Ed would let
down a lot of students, parents and tax payers by letting him go because of
politics. Stay strong, we've got his back!
I was never lucky enough to ever have Coach during my years
in the Wayne Central School district. I have, however, seen just how much he
influenced the lives of everyone he encountered. Three of his six Section V
championships were achieved while I was in high school and you could just see
the pride he took in his athletes just pour out of him during the assemblies
that were held to congratulate t...he
champions. He held his students and athletes to such a high level but then
stood by them and encouraged them so that they would always succeed in
whatever it was they set out to do. I hate that I do not live in the area
anymore so that I could go vote on December 14 because this situation, on top
of all the other things I have heard about Superintendent Garrett, has been
handled just so wrong. As a future educator I hope that someday I can be as
great of a role model to any of my students as Coach was to all of his. I
stand behind Coach Scott Freischlag 100% and will continue to do so even if it
is from a distance. Stay strong Coach we wont let this injustice prevail.
Just
sent my letter to NYS.... conduct@mail.nysed.gov
....... Here is a segment....
Garrett fired Scott Freischlag suddenly during the wrestling season. As a Wayne
Central alumni, I have had Mr. Freischlag as a physical education teacher at
Thomas C. Armstrong Middle School, and as a supporter of the Wayne Wrestling
program, I have saw Mr. Freischlag work affectively with young men during his
coaching tenure.
I strongly believe in having positive role models in our schools that serve as
coaches. My experience as a teacher in the Ithaca City School District and as a
track and field coach, I work with kids daily that do not have the best home
lives and look to the teachers and coaches for support. When I am coaching in
the spring I see first hand how important it is to have coaches that are strong
role models that serve in the district. I connect with many of my students on
higher levels when I go from the classroom to the track. I find that athletic
involvement improves performance academically. Coaching takes over a person’s
life, and it takes a special person to want to teach, coach, and raise a family.
I see the same dedication Mr. Freischlag has given the district and the
wrestling team for so many years. He has coached multiple athletes to the state
championships, which is the highest possible level. I cannot believe the
district would fire him and then go as far as pulling the wrestlers out of their
classes to tell them that they fired their beloved coach. How can a student go
back to class and focus when the athletic director pulls them out to say their
coach for the last 10 years of their lives has been fired with no reason or
rationale? Not only was it a disruption in their education that day, but the
wrestlers had to certify that afternoon and many did not even know if they would
be allowed to certify without a coach.
Looking back on my athletic experience, I began my career at Wayne Central on
several different modified teams. Once I graduated, I was honored for winning
seven Varsity letters. I feel that my positive experience getting involved with
my sport, track and field, steamed from my middle school physical education
classes. I started doing track in eighth grade because my physical education
teachers (Mr. Freischlag included) convinced me to go out for the team. I cannot
imagine my life without running. After four years on Varsity at Wayne Central, I
ran in college and was a member of the Ithaca College Bombers track and field
team for four years. I was the captain of the team my senior year and I had the
same coach for all four years, which truly made a difference. I was able to
develop a relationship with her and my running improved greatly.
Overall, I really think the decision to fire Mr. Freischlag has a negative
effect for the district, community, and most importantly, the student athletes.
In the end coaches are there for the student athletes, and Mr. Freischlag has
exhibited such dedication. He has impacted my life, and my brother’s life. I
am beyond upset at the districts unjustified decision.
as a
cheerleader from Wayne most guy teachers and pretty much every coach of every
sport didn't take us seriously but Mr. Freischlag actually took the time one
year to do afternoon workouts with the cheerleaders so WE could have a better
reputation. this was the last thing we expected and for those of us who were
trying to make a better name for ourselves and actually went to the workouts, it
meant soo much to us when he did this. he's awesome there's no better way to
describe him 11/24/11
Jennifer
Steinruck got that right Mer!
thanks Mr.
Freischlag
for really helping us out when you could have just blown us off.
Amy
Waldron he def helped us a lot. he helped us learn how to be more fit and
ready for the season and overall was a great coach for us.
Just as a note guys, I'm not sure filing a complaint with
the NYSED Office of Counsel (http://www.counsel.nysed.gov/
appeals/) is going to do very much. They deal almost exclusively with
district actions against a student. The same goes for the NYS Professional
Misconduct Enforcement System (conduct@mail.nysed.gov), as they deal only with
Professionally Licensed individuals (such as lawyers, acco...untants,
and architects).
I would suggest focusing on sending letters to the members of the Board of
Education, their email addresses are all available here: http://www.wayne.k12.ny.us/
board_members.cfm
Please post if anyone gets a response from those two agencies indicating they
are the right place to file a complaint, I'd hate to be discouraging people
from filing in the right place, but I'd also rather us not waste our energy on
activities that will be fruitless.
Nicole
Kirkpatrick Alex, you know as
well as I do that the BOE isn't going to do anything. All the emails I've gotten
from them can attest to that fact. There has to be something that can be done at
the state level...
Alexander
Wingate There are things that can be done at the state level, but they can
only be done by Mr. Freischlag. We don't have a legal interest in his
employment, only he does, so only he has standing to sue. The Board may be full
of people who don't care, but if they're getting a hundred e-mails a day,
they're liable to start fearing for their positions eventually.
Alexander
Wingate That being said, there's no reason to stop looking for a proper
place at the state level to file a complaint, I've been asking around. These two
ways just aren't it.
One
thing I've come to admire about coach is that he truely lives what he teaches.
He is a leader by example. He said don't give up on anything you do, I've never
seen him give up. He says be in time he's never been late, he say do your best,
this coach has always come to every practice,match, tournament w/a plan for
success for each of his wrestlers. He made sure his wrestlers and students were
ready for what ever task was place in front of them!!
For everyone that is new to the page, and isn't quite clear
on how you can help. Here's a recap. Write a letter based on how Coach has
influenced your life, and how his moral character has helped you along the
way. Have that letter NOTARIZED (important if this case goes to court) and
send the letter directly to the booster club (Wayne Wrestling Booster Club
P. O. Box 283, Ontario, NY 14519) If...
you are unable to have your letter notarized, please email those letters to
webmaster@waynewrestling.com. A big show of support should be shown at the
first home wrestling match VS Penn Yan December 1st, and everyone that is able
to, should attend the BOE meeting on December 15th (very important). If you
can, attend the budget vote on the 14th, VOTE NO. Get the word out and lets
show the superintendent and BOE that we aren't here to play games, we are
serious and will not stand for the poor treatment of the best coach, leader,
and mentor Wayne has to offer. Thanks again, to all of you.
Come
one Come all... December 1, 2011 First Home Duel Meet
Wayne vs Penn Yan JV 6:30 Varsity 7:00 p.m.
Please come and support the team and coach.
Kathy
Freischlag tshirt ideas anyone?
I
also emailed ESPN so maybe if some people could bring some more attention to it
that way also
Andrew
Nagel Sorry call me obsessed i
dont care
Steve
Young That's awesome Drew great idea keep us posted on what you hear back
from them.
Kristin
Schlosser If ur obsessed with defending a great man and role model then i
support your obsession 100%...i dont know u personally but i think u did a great
thing and i hope they respond to u somehow
Kathy
Freischlag Does 'The Hammer' need to make another guest appearance at Wayne?
It's
really great to see such an outpouring of support for Coach...He has been a
monumental influence in my life and I hope that we can share our collective
voices loudly at the upcoming Board meeting, in our letters and in the various
media outlets. I think the more people in the greater community that find out
about this travesty of justice the more likely the Board members will be
ousted...and Coach Freischlag's name will be cleared.
On this Thanksgiving Holiday, I am thankful for having Coach as a lifelong
mentor and friend.
-Leo Urbinelli, Wayne Central Class 1996.
Joe
Zaso Amen Leo!
Kathy
Freischlag I can't even begin to tell you the endless proud stories he has
told me over the years about all the accomplishments of his students and
athletes. He has never ceased to amaze me the memory and detail he retains about
so many of the kids that have crossed his path.
Kathy
Freischlag Of course, as a teacher, I know that is solely attributed to his
level of interest and investment. Scott is an amazing teacher and mentor.
I wasn't a wrestler but I briefly knew Coach Freischlag
when he was the head coach of Wayne's Varsity football team for one year. I
always looked up to him as a man of the highest integrity and intensity. His
dedication to athletics has developed hundreds of young men and made the Wayne
Wrestling program a recognized powerhouse.
Even though I graduated over seven years ago I'll never forget my senior
year of varsity football with him as our head coach. I sometimes get nostalgic
for those days of triple session practices out in the field and the weightroom.
There wasn't a boy on the team who didn't respect the man and we were all
excited to have him as our head coach. The best friends I've ever made were my
varsity football teammates and to this day they are just about the only Wayne
alumni I am still in contact with, and when we get together and talk about the
old days Coach Freishlag's name is still brought up.
To this day I still refer to him as "Coach", even though he may not
remember me it, to continue using this title speaks volumes of the reverence I
have for his leadership. I am saddened to hear of the recent events
surrounding Coach and hope those responsible for his dismissal will strongly
reconsider.
James Pistell
This is the email i sent to the superintendent and the
members of the board.
TO ALL OF YOU,
I first want to say that this is an unfortunate situation. You
... all
have made a very very bad decision, Releasing Scott Freischlag
in
the manner you have chosen to, is not only cowardly, unprofessional,
and irresponsible BUT detrimental to the students, school district, and
community of Wayne Central. Which most likely will not only cost you
your current jobs, but will cost you your reputation...which let me
explain this to you since you've already demonstrated that your
incompetent and uneducated, (your future jobs too). It disgusts me
that you get paid such an extravagant salary to protect the students of
Wayne Central. You clearly have failed miserably to live up to your
responsibilities regarding the very students you swore to protect and
in doing so have demonstrated you don't deserve these responsibilities.
So I want you to know that I am vowing to protect Scott Freischlag,
the
students of the Wayne Central School District, and the surrounding
community (like you were supposed to). Expect to see me and many
hundreds more at every BOE meeting until this situation is made right.
Which includes the termination of every last one of you, and the
reinstatement of Scott Freischlag as Phys Ed teacher and Head coach of
the wrestling team. Dec 15th, i will take much excitement in seeing you
face to face and voicing my opinion in person. See you soon.
Peter
Carol
Jean Lambiase-Young Awesome Peter!!!
This was the response to a email I wrote
Dear Mr. Nagel,
...
Thank you for the correspondence. Community and Alumni feedback is always
welcome.
Under the circumstances here is the best response I can legally and ethically
provide:
Effective Thursday, November 10, 2011, Scott Freischlag, was terminated as the
Varsity Wrestling Coach however remains employed by the district as teaching
staff. Due to the fact that this is a personnel issue, the district cannot
divulge any information regarding this decision and respects Mr.
Freischlag’s right to privacy. Mr. Freischlag is represented by the
Teachers’ Union and they are also ensuring that his rights are being
protected.
In effort to dispel the rumor that appears to be circulating and may have
possibly been implied by the media, the district feels it is important to
reiterate that his termination as coach is unrelated to the Wayne Wrestling
Booster Club. Booster Clubs are separate, non-profit, organizations. The
District has no authority or responsibility under law or its own policy to
direct or manage the affairs of a booster club.
Wayne Central is committed to maintaining the integrity of our athletics
program as well as supporting our student athletes and entire student body.
Rest assured our students are and always will be our number one priority.
Members of the Board of Education spend hundreds of hours volunteering
passionately to this cause and will continue to do so during this time of
transition.
My name is Andrew Nagel and I am a former student and wrestler at Wayne
central. I am very concerned for how things with Coach Freischlag have been
handled. Coach Freischlag is not only an amazing coach and teacher. He is the
reason why I became a teacher, and a big part of who I am today. I became a
coach because I wanted to give back to wrestling and teach what coach Freischlag
taught me. He has done nothing but bend over backwards to help mentor and create
fine young men. The list did not start with me and it definitely did not end
with me. I know I do not have all the facts, however I do know that Coach
Freischlag is not being investigated nor should he have been released from his
coaching and educational duties. As a future school administrator I understand
that you have hard decisions to make, however every decision should be made
based on how it will affect the students. Every decision should have a positive
effect on students. So I ask you to ask yourself: Is this decision
in the best interest for the students of Wayne Central School District? Please
reconsider your decision. Thank you for your time.
Andrew
Nagel Members of the Board of Education spend hundreds of hours volunteering
passionately to this cause and will continue to do so during this time of
transition.
Andrew
Nagel Please if they have hundreds Coach has Millions
Gus
Zaso Exactly. What a crock of shit
Andrew
Nagel and what can the superintendent say about her nice little bonus? where
did the 20 k go?
Peter
Andrew Wow what a bunch of Bullshit, Its pure deceit and evil to claim that
the students are their number one priority, their decision to take such
unwarranted action against coach will not only be detrimental to the current and
future students of Wayne central, but it is an insult and a down right slap in
the face to the school's alumni. As far as I'm concerned these people are
dangerous to the children and should be removed from their positions before they
do anything else to "protect" or should i say damage the development
of the students of Wayne central.
Carol
Jean Lambiase-Young I agree Peter
Andrew! And isn't the timing so special! It's not bad enough what they did
to Scott, but then to also insult the intelligence of those want an explanation
for their childish vendetta by telling them it had nothing to do with the
missing booster club money. If it is true that "The District has no
authority or responsibility under law or its own policy to direct or manage the
affairs of a booster club" then why did the superintendent take it upon
herself to accept a partial (less than 1/4 of what was STOLEN FROM CHILDREN)
payment as restitution???? Perhaps its an "as it is convenient for the
BOE" rule.
My children know Scott as a teacher and as the father of a
classmate. I've seen and heard the wonderful interaction he has had between
his students and the athletes he has coached. At no time have I ever heard a
negative regarding Scott. It has been stated over and over again, the impact
he has made on these kids. I wonder if any former student or colleague of
Renee Garrett would say the same. I b...elieve
that she is very angry that we are not the 315 rednecks she thought she could
run over and ruin as she did in her former district. I blame our school board
for not limiting her power from the get go.... money missing, money misspent,
teachers and staff dismissed or moved on her whim. She didn't understand when
you come into a new job, you observe, learn and listen... that is why God gave
us two ears and one mouth. She came in like a bulldozer. Look at her salary
and benefits .... what a waste. She needs to GO.
NYS
conduct dept emailed me back. You can direct complaints to the NYS dept of Ed at
518-474-5915.
Kathy
Freischlag No address for print
complaints so as to keep a paper trail?
Nicole
Kirkpatrick That's all they sent me but I can try to dig up a physical
address.
Alexander
Wingate That makes sense, that's the number for the Deputy Commissioner of
Education, they're second in command (third if you count Cuomo) of the NYS Board
of Regents. As a technical matter, every public school and university in the
state is an organization of and under the NYS Board of Regents. This is probably
a good idea. The name and address of the Deputy is as follows:
Johanna Duncan-Poitier
Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education
Room 2 West Mezzanine
Albany, NY 12234
Burt
Freischlag This is big and deserves the attention more than the school
district and superintendent we have to go above them.
Tis is the email i sent to Bob Lonsbory(sp?) ha
Hey Bob,
I'm sure youve heard from a bunch of us already but i wanted to
reach out and show my support for coach by asking you to show support
... for
him over the air. You can reach much more people then we can and
your support would be greatly appreciated by many current and future
listeners myself included.....
a bit of personal insight on how coach has affected my life...
My parents divorced when i was really young so i grew up without a
father figure. It made me really really angry inside, jealous of the
other kids who did enjoy a father figure and all the experiences that
come with that. So i acted out in anger and i got myself in alot of
trouble. When we moved to Wayne Central, i began wrestling as a
suggestion by coach, he instantly changed my life, He took me under his
wing instantly, acting as a mentor he provided me with direction,
support , and most importantly a role model. I ended up going to
college and wrestling on the collegiate level acheiving a college
degree which has recently helped me attain a career in management at
UPS. Without his influence in my life who knows where I would have
ended up. He's an outstanding man and doesnt deserve the actions taken
against him.
So i ask you....Will you help us help him?
Thank you for taking the time to read my email,
Peter Pagan
Carol
Jean Lambiase-Young LOVE IT!!!! Also, glad you are doing so well!!! Good for
you Peter!!!
Peter
Andrew thank you carol ;)
Here's
the letter I'm sending to the BOE and mailing to the Booster Club. It gets
somewhat personal, but I think it's important Garrett and the Board realize it
isn't just his athletes that benefited from him, but also us kids that were
nonathletic nerds who were occasionally bullied. I was a weird kid in middle
school, but he made me feel a little more normal, I fear for the other weird
kids going through middle school now without him.
To XXX,
I have full confidence in the character and fitness of Scott Freischlag to be a
physical education teacher and coach in the Wayne Central School District. I
have direct, personal experience as a student of Mr. Freischlag in physical
education courses at Thomas C. Armstrong Middle School, and can attest to his
abilities in this capacity. While my story reflects only one experience, I
believe it is informative, particularly as I was so affected by him, and I only
experienced his teaching methods in phys ed.
During my thirteen years at Wayne Central, I struggled to find interest in
coursework and was often contentious with authority figures. None of the class
were able to challenge me, and as a result I rarely completed homework and my
grades were low. Few teachers were able to motivate me to try my best and to
push myself further, but Scott Freischlag did exactly that. While his influence
didn’t improve my grades or my attitude all that much while at Wayne Central
(I graduated with a 74 average), I have constantly reflected on his words and
his character to direct my endeavors since.
When I was in his class, beyond the ordinary activities you would expect of a
physical education teacher, Mr. Freischlag did two things that have always
stayed with me. First, he intervened when I was bullied in a way that satisfied
everyone. He would direct comments at me that would make me feel as if I was in
control, while serving as a warning to those doing the bullying that their
actions were not to be tolerated. I have yet to see another person in any
capacity who could diffuse situations in such a way, and I’ve had my fair
share being bullied. Second, he was able to motivate me, push me in a way no
other teacher prior to the ones in my current institution could. He used
language that both encouraged and challenged me. It was often a variation on
“you can quit, but do you really want to?” I know I can’t do it justice,
but thinking of how I felt in his class has helped me to push through some very
difficult challenges in life.
Where I am in life now, I owe a great deal to Mr. Freischlag. No teacher
inspired me the way he has; his drive, compassion, and focus on improving the
lives of his students is hard to ignore. After graduating with a 74 from Wayne
Central, I went on to MCC for a year. From there, I transferred to SUNY
Brockport, where I achieved a GPA of 3.61. It was in my first year there (second
year of undergraduate education) that I began to focus, and use the lessons
learned from Mr. Freischlag, after going to a wrestling match with a friend
where Mr. Freischlag was coaching Wayne against Brockport’s high school. I
remembered how he had motivated me, and used that motivation and focus to bring
up my GPA. I graduated in four years (a feat only forty percent of Brockport
Students accomplish). More importantly, at the beginning of my third year of
undergrad, I began studying for the LSAT. I took the test a full year ahead of
schedule, and achieved a 169, the 98th percentile. I am now attending Cornell
Law School, one of premiere law schools in the country, consistently ranked
among the t14, or top 14 law schools by USNWR. Every day I wake up here and get
to go to class with some of the brightest legal minds in the country, and I am
the happiest I have ever been in my life. I owe this in no small part to Mr.
Freischlag.
My time in the district was fraught with frustration and disappointment. I
encountered incompetent teachers and indolent administrators. My thirst for
knowledge was stifled in the classroom and ensured I received ridicule outside
of it. Mr. Freischlag was perhaps the only adult who took notice of both of
these factors and attempted to remedy them. That he has been removed from his
post, and that other students in the position I was once in can no longer avail
themselves of his services, is an unspeakable injustice. He had the most lasting
positive impact on me of any teacher in my middle school career, and his class
was the one I had the least frequently. I can only imagine the positive
influence he had on those he coached.
It is for these reasons that I must implore the board reconsider the actions
taken against Mr. Freischlag. He is more than just an amazing coach, he is an
outstanding educator, particularly in the lessons schools often neglect yet are
of the utmost importance for success in society and life. Such gifted
individuals do not come around on a daily basis; do not waste his gift on some
petty policy dispute.
Sincerely,
Alexander Wingate
Joanne
Whitbourne beautifully put
Maria
L. Frei You have made me a very proud Mother. Thank you.
Kathy
Duell Emison Very well written Alex. I'm not surprised that you're in law
school. You always put up a good argument! I hope your letter makes an impact.
Alexander
Wingate I just hope it helps Mr. Freischlag.
Carol
Jean Lambiase-Young absolutly beautiful!!
Brenda
Prinsen wow. I'm in tears.
Denise
Fosco Kolb As soon as I read your name Alex I knew your face. I remember it
exactly in elementary school with my daughter. You have become quite the
youngman and all the good and bad of Wayne has made you who you are today. Be
proud.
Stephen
Freischlag Outstanding....
Julie
Crandall Alex, I also remember you and I'm very proud of you.
Heather
Prinsen Wow Alex, what a letter. If this doesn't get the BOE's attention, I
don't think anything will. Well said. I'm so happy you have made it so far in
your life :-) Congratulations.
11/29/11 @
20:53