A personnel issue that would usually be discussed privately by the Montclair board of education during their executive session, since it involved an employee, was made public after the coach in question requested the topic be open to everyone at the regularly scheduled Board of Ed meeting Tuesday night.

At stake is the job of the Montclair High school girls’ basketball coach Jerry Citro, who was suspended after the board received complaints from one or more parents.

According to Montclair Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Alvarez, Citro had three issues that forced the board to consider his employment – and suspension - at the high school.

At a recent away game, the coach was suspended for the mandatory 2 games after an outburst.

“At a game in January, Coach Citro was suspended by the New Jersey Athletic Association at a South Orange – Maplewood game,” said Alvarez.

In December, he was blamed for cutting through locks on girls lockers and then throwing items belonging to students in a big heap on the floor.

Although his participation in this action was not in dispute, according to numerous parents, this destruction of school locks on lockers is nothing new. In fact, it is almost tradition in the high school, since the girls team seems to play second fiddle to that of the boys.

The girls basketball team does not have their own lockers, as the boys team does.

Instead, they have to share with girls who also use them in gym class and for other reasons.

Parent Madeleine Fabro said she was not pleased that there was so much misinformation floating around, and that what Citro had done with the lockers was nothing new.

“This has been done for the last 12 years,” said Fabro. “It is part of the process every year. Basketball starts on November 30, every year, for the past 12 years. Every year the locks get cut. Girls get a 2 week warning before to empty them.”

Also at issue was Citro’s allowing a younger high school student to get a ride from a senior to the hospital, to pick up some films. According to Alvarez, this was done without the parents permission.

During the public session, many students and parents spoke passionately about their love of Citro. Along the way, his colorful personality was often highlighted, along with his strong influence over the high school girls.

Parents spoke of Citro’s dedication to all students – including those with special needs – who he welcomed onto the team and supported in a fair and strong manner.

As each person spoke, members of the Bard of Ed listened carefully.

One senior cried as she explained how her school life in Montclair had become an experience of empowerment, after she became a member of the girl’s basketball team.

Another woman, who graduated a few years ago, said she still volunteered her time to help out with the kids since Citro had become such a strong role model and mentor for her.

“I trust him more than my own father,” she said.

As members of the public continued to walk up to the microphone to speak warmly of the coach, it was clear to all that the board had a difficult task at hand – whether to stick to the rules after getting a parent’s legitimate complaint or try to reign in the feisty behavior of a beloved and treasured coach.

Updates will follow.