We Stand With Coach Russ.
On May 13, 2025, the Westport Board of Education voted 5–1 to uphold Superintendent Scarice’s decision not to renew the contract of Coach Russell Oost-Lievense, longtime head coach of the Staples High School boys soccer team, a dedicated educator, and a proud Staples alum.
This decision came after a 14-hour hearing where over 150 students, parents, and alumni showed up in support. Despite overwhelming community backing, the process was deeply flawed:
Student witnesses were never interviewed.
Key testimonies and emails were excluded.
8+ witnesses were blocked from speaking.
School administrators gave contradictory or vague testimony, often claiming they “didn’t recall” critical facts.
Coach Russ is not accused of harming anyone. His alleged offense? Not reporting a verbal disagreement between an assistant coach and a player, a moment that was resolved with apologies from both individuals the same day.
This is not about one coach.
This is about protecting integrity in our schools.
This is about demanding truth, transparency, and accountability.
Coach Russ has led the Staples soccer program with excellence, compassion, and strength. He is a former player, a teacher in special education, and a leader who has always put his team first.
This campaign isn’t just about reinstating Coach Russ.
It’s about asking:
How can we trust a system that silences students, hides evidence, and punishes people who speak up?
🗓 Friday, May 16
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Meet in front of the Staples main entrance
🧡 Wear ORANGE. Bring a sign
👕 Limited Wreckers for Russ t-shirts available