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.”