Orchard Park High School football head coach Gene Tundo and his two assistants will return next month to coach the Quakers for another season, but they have been put on notice that the School Board and school community are watching them.

Discord on the team spilled over to several board meetings this spring, as players and parents spoke out about a divided coaching staff. Some maintained Tundo should be able to pick his assistants and volunteer coaches, while others noted the district hires the coaches and approves the volunteers.

“I think the situation is absolutely untenable,” said board member Natalie Schaffer. “I do not think we should willingly expose our players to three coaches who do not have mutual respect and trust.”

The votes to approve Tundo and assistant Bob Ferrentino were unanimous. Steve Ferrentino was appointed on a 5-2 vote, with Schaffer and board member Donna M. Omar opposed.

“This entire board, as well as the community, superintendent and their supervisors will be observing them thoroughly, documenting any concerns,” said board member Rachel Baksa.

There will be no volunteer coaches this season, Athletic Director Jim Higgins said. Higgins has said previously that if the three coaches do not agree on a volunteer, the person is not recommended to the athletic director.

Superintendent Matthew P. McGarrity said he and Higgins had made their expectations clear to the coaches, who also work for the district as teachers or staff.

Schaffer said she does not believe that the conditions accepted by the coaching staff will improve the situation.

“We offer athletics, not as a breeding ground for collegiate athletes or professional athletes. We do it to teach kids commitment, dedication, respect, team work, perseverance, and I think putting these three coaches to work together undermines all these things,” she said.

Higgins said the three are experienced coaches and have been working together for eight years, producing a state championship team whose players have won numerous accolades.

Higgins said the primary focus is to make sure the coaches are working together for the benefit of the players in the program.

“You’re not always going to see eye to eye on the same issues, but it’s the way that you conduct yourselves is the key,” he said.

Football practice starts Aug. 16.

bobrien@buffnews.comnull