EPHS Hockey & Soccer Coaches May Not Return?

City To Coaches: "Can't Have Two Jobs" Not Fair, says Joel Monteiro.

UPDATE: "I'm still the hockey coach and I plan to remain the hockey coach." - EPHS Hockey Coach, Kevin Croke

Rose, Conley, Capobianco respond:
Just as things seemed to be getting better in East Providence, in terms of government, economics, etc., a new alleged controversy has arisen. Rumors have swirled in EP athletic circles that two highly successful East Providence High School coaches have been informed that their coaching positions may be in jeopardy. Head hockey coach Kevin Croke and head soccer coach Tony Vieira are the two coaches in question. Croke works full time in the department of Public Works in engineering. Vieira also works for the city in the recreation department. Both were hired to be part-time coaches for the high school. Usually, by contract and prior practice, regular teachers are offered coaching jobs first. But in cases whereby no teachers apply for a coaching position, the school department can hire from the community at large.

This was the case with high school hockey and soccer. After no teacher applied for these two open positions, both Croke and Vieira were hired. Both coaches have done excellent jobs according to many close to both the hockey and soccer programs. There was strong talk in the city that hockey was going to be abolished at the high school due to its' cost and other factors. The school has to rent out of town rinks to practice and play games. Equipment is expensive and there are transportation costs. Within a short time, however, coach Croke built up a strong hockey program and the team won two recent division state championships. That seemed to lessen the appetite for dropping hockey and the program has thrived.

Tony Vieira has also brought a dedication and positive effort to the soccer team. The team's long time former coach, Mario Andrade has taken a leave and has not indicated a desire to return. Andrade teaches in Pawtucket. Vieira also is active in city soccer circles and is the person responsible for the effort to construct a new synthetic athletic field behind the high school. The field would be for high school and city youth groups. However, it has recently stalled after legal procedural objections from the city. This stall may delay the entire project in time for next season.

Sources have told the Reporter that both Croke and Vieira have been told by "the City" that they were not allowed to have two city jobs. Earlier this year a young woman who works in city hall and had extensive coaching experience from another high school in Rhode Island was denied a coaching job at EPHS because of her work schedule. She was a top applicant for the job and had asked to rearrange her schedule, without taking a lunch break, in order to get the job. She was denied. Most coaches work late afternoons, evenings and weekends with practicing and actual games. In at least one of the two current matters, it appeared that City Manager Paul Lemont delivered the message that the coach couldn't continue coaching and work for the city.

School committee member Joel Monteiro has sent out a blog this weekend which he said is in response to concerns he has received from constituents. "We need your help. The EPHS Boys Soccer and Hockey coaches, after several years of success, are being forced to forfeit their coaching position by the city. Both gentlemen are long-standing city employees, with good performance status. They use their vacation time to leave early, when necessary, to coach our children. The Hockey Team won their 2014 championship, and the Soccer Team beat LaSalle for the first time since 1996, and beat defending champs North Kingstown as well. These men are an asset to our school program, and community. Ask anyone whose child has played for them, and you'll understand their value," wrote Monteiro.

Residents responded to Monteiro that they were in strong support of both coaches. Monteiro asked residents to contact their city council representatives to protest these actions. "The idea of Townie Pride is the way we pledge to work together for the benefit of the whole. These men are Townies, vested in the students they coach. I can assure you that the net result of their having dual roles is positive. These aren't two people looking for a favor, getting a job they don't deserve or aren't qualified for. These two men are good at what they do. I'm asking you to contact your City Council member, and ask them to do what's right for the kids," added Monteiro.

Council member at large, Tracy Capobianco, responded. "I can't speak on behalf of anyone else but I can tell you this is the FIRST time of hearing this (Monteiro's blog). I never received a call, email, not one thing relating to this situation. So to imply that the Council is aware of this, I can assure you this member wasn't aware," said Capobianco.

Tim Conley told The Reporter that "this is the first I am hearing of this matter. I would like to have a conversation with the city manager before commenting directly. It is my hope some type of compromise can be reached - as the two individuals are highly respected coaches and it would be a shame to lose them."

Mayor Tom Rose said "right now this is in Lemont's hands. There is vacation time and other time employees can use on their own. But this needs to be looked into. they are both good coaches who should be allowed to coach," said Rose.

Coaching and all positions in the school department are usually hired by the school committee after a recommendation from the Superintendent of Schools. However in recent years, the state budget commission had the final say in all jobs and hiring procedures. There have been some employee-related issues that have raised some eyebrows in the city, including a formal discrimination complaint brought against the schools by a school principal. Some transfers have also occurred outside of the normal operating procedure. With the budget commission no longer in East Providence, it is assumed that all hiring is back within the school department's purview, although the city maintains a consolidated Human Resources director for both city and schools.

From the blog of one very active parent and community member came this; "The fact that they (Croke and Vieira) sacrifice time and effort for our kids shows incredible dedication and should prove them to be an asset to the City of East Providence! I would love to know whose brilliant idea this is!"

Vieira was not readily available for comment this weekend. It is believed that Vieira has a meeting for tomorrow (Monday) with schools superintendent Kim Mercer. Kevin Croke did not want to say too much publicly but did confirm that he has been told he couldn't leave work early to coach the hockey team. Croke as do other city employees has personal time he can use. Croke could have up to 5 weeks vacation, 7 personal days and the ability to accrue unlimited comp time. "I am not double dipping. I'm still the hockey coach and I plan to remain the hockey coach," said Croke. The Reporter has also learned that the conversations about Croke and Vieiera losing their coaching jobs started back in early March. The ReporterToday.com will post updates to this story as they become available.