Supt. Belson: “No Disrespect” for Coach Mattatall

Supt. Stands Behind Decision to let Veteran Baseball Coach go

– Allison Goldsberry

Come spring, veteran baseball coach Paul Mattatall won’t be returning to the baseball diamond for reasons that aren’t entirely clear to some of his supporters.

Charlie Pagliarulo, a former ball player for Mattatall whose son also went through the program, appeared before the School Committee at Monday night’s meeting to say he was disgusted by Mattatall’s firing. Pagliarulo called the administration’s actions “unprofessional, shortsighted, and deceitful” for canning the coach after apparently leading him to believe he could coach for one last year after retiring as a teacher in June.

School Superintendent Roy Belson said the administration’s decision was not an easy one and that Mattatall “has a lot to be proud of.” Belson said he arrived at the decision with input from Headmaster Paul Krueger and Athletic Director Bob Maloney, and all agreed the timing seemed to be right to start a new coach with a young team.

“It was a young team. A young team should start with a coach that will be there for a number of years,” said Belson.

This latest coaching change is one of several that have taken place since Bob Maloney took the reins as Athletic Director, a position Mattatall held last year with John McAdam for a stipend to cover a vacancy.

Other coaching changes include new boys and girls’ soccer coaches, a new boys’ basketball coach, and a new football coach, who subsequently became part of a criminal investigation. Belson said he also expected a coaching change for the girls’ ice hockey team.

While Belson said the coaching changes were necessary to help build a “feeder system for the future,” Pagliarulo said they amounted to a “pattern of inconsistencies” within the athletic department.

School Committee member Lena DiGiantommaso said she agreed that Mattatall should have been allowed to coach one last season out of “compassion” given everything he has done for the community in his career as a teacher and coach.

According to Pagliarulo, Mattatall has coached baseball, including youth, Babe Ruth, and high school, for 39 years, and he was hoping to coach one last season to make it to 40.

Belson said no one is entitled to a job year after year and the decision was not made lightly or out of disrespect for Mattatall.

School Committee Votes in Pay Raise

The School Committee voted, 5-1, with DiGiantommaso dissenting and William Brady absent, to increase its monthly allowance by $100 per month effective January 1, 2008.

The total cost for the increase for fiscal year 2008 is $4,200. Currently each School Committee member receives $900 per month, with the exception of the Vice Chairperson and Secretary, who receive $950 and $1,100, respectively.

According to Mayor Michael McGlynn, School Committee Chairperson, the School Committee has not had a raise in a couple of years.

Important Upcoming Dates:

February 5, 2008: No school- presidential primary and professional development day for new teachers

Weeks of February 4th, 11th, and 28th, 2008: Kindergarten registration at Parent Information Center

June 5, 2008: Medford High School graduation, Class of 2008, Gantcher Family and Convocation Center, Tufts University