[Update] High School AD John Bement Resigns For Out-of-State Job

The Canton Board of Education accepted the resignation of Athletic Director John Bement Tuesday evening.

Bement said he has taken an out-of-state job in the private sector but will be staying in town for the time being.

Bement was on the job for a year and, as a retired state trooper, he was initially in the position to spend the time necessary, often 60 hours a week, in the AD job, Bement said. The new job will also allow more family time on the weekends, he added.

"I had an opportunity at the time, and I did what I felt necessary to have a great program," Bement said.

Superintendent Kevin Case said Bement has brought additional professionalism to athletics and put in place a system to hold coaches accountable and ensure their level of expertise.

"I'm sad to see John go but thank him for doing an excellent job," Case said.

Case also praised Bement for working full time for the part-time AD job. He declined comment about any negative feelings toward Bement.

Bement was not without controversy, and while some parents and teachers supported him, others did not. 

"This is one of the best things that has happened to Canton athletics," Evan Camporeale, a 2011 graduate who played track, cross-country and basketball, said about Bement's resignation. "He drove out a lot of good coaches and none of the student athletes favored him — at least none of the ones that I was around."

Bement acknowledged there was some negativity but said there were many "rumors and hearsay" and most who complained never introduced themselves.

"Anywhere you go there will be a negative faction," he said.

And Bement said the job was overwhelmingly positive.

"For everyone who got on board, it was a great experience," he said.

Bement said he had a great relationship with Case, High School Principal Gary Gula, and Middle School Principal Joe Scheideler as well as so many coaches, parents and sports advocates.

Bement praised the work of others, too, including Friends of Canton Football, which fully supports boys football and girls lacrosse and the lacrosse club, which supports boys lacrosse and girls volleyball.

"That's four major teams fully supported by citizens in town," Bement said.

The resignation is effective Oct. 1.

The school will be looking for an interim AD and a search committee will be formed to look for a permanent replacement. 

"He (Bement) has made it easy for the next AD," Case said.

Bement said he will continue to live in Canton, at least for the time being, and plans to advocate strongly for the AD position to become  full-time. The time demands and the importance of the position warrant such a change, he said.

"I want to be a positive source — to share my experiences," Bement said. "Athletics is an extremely important part of education."

Case also said the search does coincide nicely with a survey about the school's athletic program which will be given to parents and coaches this fall.