Lewandowski under review by district
BUTLER TWP — More than 40 people packed the Butler School Board's meeting room Monday night, many of them to voice their support for varsity girls basketball coach Joe Lewandowski.
Though school officials declined to give details about a district review of Lewandowski, many seventh- and eighth-grade students and parents urged the board not dismiss the coach.
Lewandowski could not be reached for comment.
Student Andrea Jones said Lewandowski does a great job with the elementary- and middle-school age players.
“Coach Joe Lewandowski has built a positive environment for all his players to learn and get better. While coaching me and my teammates he was positive, instructive, kind and encouraging,” she said.
Student Paris Brown said he was always positive with the students when she played for him as a seventh grader.
“I've grown so much as a basketball player and a person under coach Joe's guidance and I look forward to having him as a coach in the near future” she said.
However, not everyone at the meeting was there to speak in support about Lewandowski, who was not in attendance.
Though district solicitor Tom Breth advised the public not to make allegations and only state their opinions, a couple district parents did claim that Lewandowski's behavior toward the varsity athletes included intimidation and manipulation.
“It's time to move in a new direction and make a change in leadership for these students,” district parent Don Gage said.
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