Position to oversee health, athletics in schools

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NAUGATUCK — Athletics, physical education, health and more in borough schools will soon fall under the purview of a new position.

The Board of Education last week approved a job description for the director of athletics, activities, K-12 physical education, health and wellness position, which is a new administrative position in the school system.

The position would replace the current athletic director position, a part-time job that is currently filled by Brian Mariano on an interim basis at Naugatuck High School.

Although this position will work out of the high school, it oversees students and programs across the district.

“Basically it is a position based on the volume of athletics we have as well as the need for a person to lead our growth of the wellness and physical fitness of our students,” Human Resources Director John Lawlor said.

According to the job description, the responsibilities of the position include leading the department of athletics, creating and evolving the physical education and health and wellness curriculum, and to hire, supervise, and evaluate all coaches.

The salary for the position will be between $85,500 and $95,000, depending on the experience of the person who is hired to fill it, Lawlor said. The district hopes to have someone in place by July 1, he said.

Lawlor said the district created the position to improve on what is already in place.

“We always are looking for ways to continue to improve our curriculum and activities. We thought this was a good way to get one individual to provide the attention needed in this area,” Lawlor said.

Lawlor added, “The hope is that our physical education program and health and wellness program will be improved and meet the needs of all of our students.”