Parents and students urge Levittown Board to reinstate cheer coach Lisa Nestler

Dozens of students and parents urged the Levittown Board of Education on April 16 to reverse a personnel decision involving varsity cheer coach Lisa Nestler, saying the coach’s removal has upended the season and harmed some students’ wellbeing.

At the start of the public-comment period, Joana Diera, a senior varsity cheerleader, told the board: “Please reconsider. Sixty kids are begging you to do what is best. She created a family for us.” Samantha Reynolds, another varsity cheerleader, said the team is “completely heartbroken” and warned that replacing Nestler shortly before competitions leaves athletes unprepared.

Parents and community members echoed that account. Peter Rea said his daughter has cheered under Nestler for four years and called her “a second mom to countless young athletes,” urging board members to meet with players before finalizing any decision. Several speakers said they had provided video and written materials to the board to support their position.

Speakers framed the issue as both a personnel matter and a community concern. Ariana Masana described emotional and health impacts on students and said some have considered not attending school because of the situation; Lori Keruk and other parents said they felt the board had not heard all sides and asked for an opportunity to present additional perspectives involving students, coaches and administrators together.

Board officials did not announce any change to personnel decisions at the meeting. The chair thanked speakers for their comments, said the board valued the feedback and promised outreach: “We will be reaching out to you to respond to your concerns,” the chair said near the close of public comment. The matter was handled as a personnel issue and the board reconvened only after entering executive session earlier and later in the meeting.

The public-comment period did not produce a formal vote on the coach’s status. The superintendent and the board did not state any immediate next steps beyond an assurance to follow up with commenters.