NORWICH – A number of students, former educators and supporters of Stanford Gibson second grade math teacher and longtime coach Mark Abbott spoke on his behalf at Tuesday night’s Norwich City School Board meeting.
On June 21, Abbott was informed by Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan that the board would not approve his recommendation for any future coaching positions, according to Eric Cunningham, president of the Norwich Educators Organization.
No reason for the decision was given at the time, he added, or has been disclosed to date.
Cunningham said it’s an unusual situation as, typically, the district’s athletic director would make the coaching recommendation, which would subsequently be approved by the school board. This year, Athletic Director Steve Griffin said he was informed by O’Sullivan – following his recommendation of Abbott – that the board of education would not appoint him. Griffin had no further comment.
“Mark’s really just looking for a reason for this ... taking a guy who’s coached for 30 years and suddenly telling him he’ll never coach again,” said Cunningham. “We would really like some sort of response from the school board as to why he can’t coach; that’s what we’re looking for.”
At Tuesday night’s meeting, Abbott asked the members of the board for an opportunity to continue pursuing his life’s passion – coaching – which he called “the highest form of teaching.” According to Abbott, no one will tell him why the decision was made. If any type of error was made, he added, he’d like an opportunity to correct it.
“How do I correct it when I don’t know what to correct?” asked Abbott, who asked the board about the possibility of a probationary period if not his re-assignment as a coach. “I’ve dedicated my professional life to the students, the district and the community. This is upsetting for myself, my family and a lot of members of the community.”
David Carson, a 2009 NHS graduate and former athlete under Abbott, said, of all the coaches he’s played under, Abbott was by far the best. “It’s rare these days to see such consistent victory and it doesn’t come easy,” Carson added. “What Coach Abbott did was facilitate friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
2010 NHS graduate and varsity basketball player Richie Bonney said it’s clear Abbott is capable of organizing and maintaining a successful basketball program, has an excellent overall record and has earned the respect of his peers throughout the league.
“Not only has his program positively impacted the players and the school, but it has served as a source of pride for the Norwich community for quite some time,” Bonney added. “Coach Abbott coaches with a great passion for the game while maintaining a high level of respect with his players.”
It’s a matter of transparency, according to former NHS educator Don Chirlin. The biggest question, he asked, is why? With the number of unfounded rumors “walking around town,” said Chirlin, it’s imperative for the board to settle the issue.
“Who would trust a school district with this lack of transparency?” asked Chirlin. “Look at all of these young men out here – they have nothing to gain by being here tonight and they have to be taken seriously.”
Chirlin went on to say that the situation has become a “political issue and it shouldn’t be.” He then asked the board to have the courage to reconsider its decision.
Bonney also addressed the issue of transparency, and said he’s learned from personal experience that – when the public does not know the facts – it tends to make up its own.
“In a garden where open spaces are left unattended or are not filled productively, invasive weeds soon take over. Similarly, when factual information is not forthcoming, the public tends to fill the open space with the social weeds of wild gossip, rumor and innuendo,” said Bonney. “Coach Abbott, the school district and the community do not benefit from an environment of unfounded speculation.”
Bonney urged the board to make the reason behind its decision public and release any and all relevant information regarding the matter.
“Please, give us the facts and end the gossip,” he added.
Board of Education member Sally Chirlin said she’s made it abundantly clear as a member of the board that she “will not defend any action” concerning the board’s decision to prohibit Abbott from coaching.
“I will not support any bullying and I’ve seen this happen before,” said Chirlin, who added she has been – and remains – critical of the current administration.
O’Sullivan offered no comment, as the issue involves school district personnel.
Abbott has coached 71 combined sports seasons over the past three decades, including 16 years as the head varsity baseball coach, 12 years as an assistant varsity football coach and 12 years as an assistant varsity track and field coach. In addition, he’s coached the boys’ varsity basketball team for the past 25 years, with a school record 344 basketball victories for an overall record of 344-202. Abbott also guided NHS to back-to-back basketball state championships – in ‘92-’93 and ‘93-’94, as well as four Section IV basketball championships in eight finals appearances.
His players have also fared well in the classroom, with 25 student athletes named to the NYS All-Academic Team and 29 named an NYS Academic All-Star.

Evening Sun Sports Editor Pat Newell contributed to this story.