Tom Black, a mentor to many. (Photo courtesy Michelle Cernick)
He is their friend, their mentor, their rock.
For 19 years, Tom Black has stood tall for Coupeville students, knowing when to joke, when to gently aim a foot for a butt, when to administer hard love, and when to simply listen and be a port in the storm.
His title has been Dean of Students, but he has been so much more for a generation of Wolves coming of age.
Now, thanks to budget cuts, the man who had a handshake, a hug, gentle words of wisdom, or a cocked eyebrow for all, won’t return to the hallways at CHS and CMS in the fall.
Reaction from community members is a mix of disbelief, grief, and an outpouring of love for Black.
The same was true for Athletic Director Willie Smith and Athletic Trainer Jessica Caselden, who, like Black, are core members of Wolf Nation.
Smith’s job status was restored after a substantial outcry which included letters of support from every other Athletic Director in the Northwest 2B/1B League.
The Athletic Trainer position is still on the chopping block, despite protests from Wolf coaches and athletes — many of whom point out the relatively small cost of the position ($8,200) and Caselden being a positive role model for young female athletes and students.
If we’re being totally fair, any and all budget cuts are unpleasant, and there is no place Superintendent Steve King can trim where someone won’t be displeased.
That being said, the loss of a man like Black hits large for his community.
Dom Anania:
Mr. Black is a fixture in that school.
I was Class of 2012 and I wouldn’t have gotten through school without him.
Losing Mr. Black will have an extremely negative impact on the kids coming up.
Sandi Belli:
He is truly an amazing person and advocate for the young people he serves.
You can’t teach someone the unique skill set Tom has … they are simply part of this giant of a man!
Natalie Castano:
This is a big mistake. Mr. Black has made a HUGE impact on many kids, including myself.
I would not have graduated if it was not for him.
He was always there for me to look up to, encouraging me when I didn’t see myself going far.
After my ex, Jaushon Clay, died, he was a shoulder for me to cry on and a BIG support.
There are so many countless times Mr. Black helped me grow into the person I am today.
I am beyond disappointed and hurt in this decision and I truly think he deserves better.
Michelle Cernick:
Mr. Black is a huge part of Coupeville schools.
He truly cares about the welfare of every one of those kids. He makes them all feel special by knowing everyone’s name and birthday.
When my son was in high school, he left home and wouldn’t talk to me. Mr. Black was how I knew he was OK.
He looked out for him to make sure he was doing alright and then he would let me know.
That was a very hard time for my family, and I don’t know what I would have done without Mr. Black.
I am so grateful to him for so much. He was always there for my kids when they needed him.
When my girls graduated, they wanted to make sure they hugged him and got a picture with him.
All three of my children love Tom Black.
He is a wonderful man and CHS will not be the same without him. This news saddens me for the students at CHS.
Carol Harrison:
Tom Black as Dean of Students is critical. He is a safe place for students.
He isn’t teaching and giving grades and because he isn’t, he is able to guide students and have their back.
Nineteen years.
I depended on him when I was teaching at CMS. He helped with the kids I was teaching and allowed me to teach.
I can’t imagine him not there or someone in his place to help students; keep Mr. Black!
Synda Lambert:
Mr. Black has been the most influential person for all of the kids who have gone to Coupeville Middle and High.
There has to be something done to keep his job.
Zachary McCormick:
Mr. Black is a great guy and I loved taking to him in the hallway during the day.
Stephanie Montgomery:
It’s not the position itself that is a loss, it is the one and only Mr. Tom Black that is the loss!
There are two people that I can name that I have always trusted to be aware of Zander, whether it’s in the hall, in the lunchroom or scooting across campus.
Mr. Black is one of them. The other is Mr. (Geoff) Kappes.
Mr. Black is aware of what all the students need, when they are entering the building for the morning, during the day on campus, and at the door when they’re leaving for the day.
His smile and personality are the face of Coupeville Middle & High School.
To lose him would cause the whole aura of the school to definitely change.
Toni Ricks:
There really are no words to describe the impact Mr. Black has had on Coupeville and the difference he has made for many students.
He takes the time to really listen to the heart of the students and they trust him.
He helps the students struggling to make the right choices and keeps them accountable.
He is able to communicate with the parents as well.
To say that there will be more supervision to help replace him makes no sense; without a relationship, it is not going to make a difference.
Listen to the students and other staff that know Mr. Black.
He is one of the souls that is truly gifted to work with children, and you cannot put a dollar amount on how valuable he is.
Angela Rogers:
You can’t put a price on Mr. Black. His impact is immeasurable.
What a huge blow to these kids.💔
We need more Mr. Blacks in our world.
Monica Vidoni:
Getting rid of Mr. Black is literally giving away the safe space for the school. It’s sickening.
Carrie Wilkinson:
To let Mr. Black go is a downright disgrace to these kids; he has been the glue that has held them all together.
He genuinely puts his heart and soul into each child that walks through those doors; they can trust him, they can confide in him, and he will listen.
All of my kids have graduated from CHS, but still to this day I hold the utmost respect for him.
Please do whatever it takes to keep him on board; these kids need him.
Payton Wilson:
Mr. Black kept me in check in the best ways possible.
He is NEEDED at that school.
He is the only one that shows any kind of compassion for the more “troubled youth.”
His office is always a safe space.
