Board of Ed Approves New Hockey Coach

The passed a resolution, included on an addendum to the regular meeting agenda, naming Frank Gilberti as the new head coach of the hockey team.

Gilberti replaces Harvey Cohen, who has been the head coach of the team for 38 years. In 2010 he led the team to state finals and, in 2011, to Chatham High School's first Public B state championship title in ice hockey.

Cohen also served as Chatham High's athletic director from 1997 until he .

Board Member Rich Connors, the chairman of the Personnel Committee, said Cohen "applied for the position [of hockey coach], and went through the whole interview process," but "the administration decided to go with Gilberti."

Connors did not specify the reasons for the decision. "I'm sure there are a multitude of factors," he said, "and obviously the board appreciates the long, great work that Harvey did when he was here."

Gilberti has served as the hockey team's assistant coach for several years. He works as a paraprofessional at Chatham High in the Special Education department.

The motion to approve Gilberti passed 7-0, with Board Member John Nonnenmacher abstaining. Nonnenmacher said he meant "no disrespect to Mr. Gilberti, whom I've never had the pleasure of meeting."

Cohen declined requests for comments on the board's actions.