Amherst Students and Staff Grieves the Loss of Beloved Teacher and Coach Jason Beckman

The Amherst Central School District is in mourning following the sudden passing of Jason Beckman, a longtime physical education teacher at Amherst Middle School and head coach of the district’s varsity football and boys varsity bowling teams.

In a letter sent to parents, Superintendent Anthony Panella announced Beckman’s death, noting that the district did not yet have additional details surrounding the circumstances. The superintendent emphasized that resources would be available to students and families as they process the loss.

According to Panella, the district will establish Care Rooms at both the middle school and high school to provide support. Teams of school psychologists, social workers, and counselors will be available for students seeking guidance during this difficult time.

Beckman’s influence went beyond the classroom, serving as a mentor to countless athletes in Amherst’s football and bowling programs. Panella shared that Athletic Director Robert Adams, along with the varsity football coaching staff, would meet with both varsity and junior varsity football players on Wednesday. Additionally, members of last year’s boys bowling team would have the opportunity to come together as a group to reflect and find support.

“Even if your child did not know Mr. Beckman, your child may be confronted with a variety of emotions which might include shock, sadness and confusion. Each of us will react to Mr. Beckman's death in our own way, and we need to be respectful of each other,” Panella wrote in his message to parents.

The district released a formal statement acknowledging the depth of Beckman’s impact:

“The Amherst Central School District mourns the death of Jason Beckman who has been a member of our school family for more than 29 years. In his role as an Amherst Middle School physical education teacher, a varsity football coach and boys varsity bowling coach, Mr. Beckman taught and coached countless students. As a community we are grieving and plans are in place to support faculty, staff and students during this difficult time.”

Amherst Students and Staff Grieves the Loss of Beloved Teacher and Coach Jason Beckman