LYNN — Joseph Skeadas, the veteran athletic director at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, has been removed from his position.
School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Tutwiler confirmed Skeadas is no longer the school’s athletic director, but would not discuss specifics of his employment because it’s a personnel matter.
Joseph Graciale, the school’s assistant athletic director, has been tapped as Skeadas’ interim replacement.
“We care deeply about the experiences of our students and that includes the athletes in our schools and there is a professional there in place whose work aligns with those values,” Tutwiler said. “Our primary concern right now is to ensure we have a smooth spring sports season for Lynn Tech and Mr. Graciale is poised to ensure that.”
The athletic director post at Lynn Tech pays $20,000.
Multiple sources said the issue involved one of the school’s coaches not showing up for games and still getting paid.
“I can’t discuss the particulars of his employment,” Tutwiler said. “I can tell you definitely that he is a culinary teacher at Lynn Tech full-time and he is not the athletic director any longer … I won’t comment on any of the accusations. My only comment is that it’s a personnel matter and we don’t discuss those publicly.”
Skeadas acknowledged he is not the athletic director any longer, but would not comment further.
“It’s something I can’t talk about,” he said.
Skeadas, who works in the school’s culinary arts department and runs the Tiger’s Den, the school’s restaurant, also said he plans to retire from the school department in October.
Skeadas became athletic director after Edward Shadoff, who previously held the position, retired in June 2011, at the end of the school year. He was appointed by then-principal Diane Paradis.
He is a 1979 graduate of the school and played on the football team there.
Skeadas is also certified in hotel restaurant management and vocational special education.
