EPCS Board terminates Johnson's coaching contracts

Updated

WINAMAC - The Eastern Pulaski Community School board voted 4-3 Thursday evening to terminate the coaching contracts of teacher Kyle Johnson, effective immediately.

The action came in a specially-called meeting held before a standing-room-only crowd in the school's distance learning lab. Johnson was the school's varsity basketball coach for the past seven years, and he also served as an assistant football coach.

Also at the meeting, the school board voted to extend the contract of athletic director Bill Ball through June 30, 2019.

School board members Joe Cunningham, Mike Tetzloff, Larry Beach and Deke DeMarco voted for the termination motion, while Beth Ruff, Tim Rausch and Terri Johnston voted against.

The action regarding Johnson appears to stem from his arrest last month on misdemeanor charges relating to a traffic stop involving his teenage son.

The status of Johnson's teaching contract has not been determined. However, he did return to his classroom Friday, following a paid administrative leave since his Sept. 20 arrest.

The meeting lasted only a few minutes, and no public comment was accepted during the session, but many voiced support of the coach after the meeting was adjourned. The board met in executive session earlier in the week (Oct. 23) to discuss personnel matters.

Johnson was present at the special session Thursday evening with his family. He thanked those who had attended in his support.

No replacement for a successor as varsity basketball coach has been named. Superintendent Dan Foster said the position was to be posted Friday.

At the school board's regular meeting earlier this month, board president Joe Cunningham said no personnel evaluation items would be shared at a public meeting. During the public comment portion of that meeting, numerous patrons and staff offered their input regarding Johnson, all speaking in his support.