Monroe High school cheer coach quits after inappropriate behavior allegations

MONROE — A Monroe High School cheer coach has resigned after allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the allegations.

Monroe Public Schools issued a public statement on social media Thursday night.

“Due to the sensitive circumstances of this situation involving a minor, Monroe Public Schools will have no further comments regarding this matter,” MPS superintendent Andrew Shaw said.

The coach was placed on administrative leave at the end of the school year and later resigned, MPS said in the news release.

Rumors on inappropriate behavior first surfaced last fall.

"At that time, Monroe Public Schools and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office conducted investigations that found no credible evidence to support the rumors," MPS said in the news release. "Later in the year, the rumors resurfaced, and MPS, the Sheriff’s Office and Child Protective Services investigated, again finding no credible evidence. On June 7, Monroe High School administration was provided with evidence that the rumors could be true. The Sheriff’s Office was immediately contacted, and the coach was placed on leave."

“Student well-being is a priority in our district, and concerns of this nature are taken very seriously. Our high school administration took the appropriate steps each time rumors surfaced, and along with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, investigated thoroughly,” Shaw said. “In each case, until the most recent, there was no supporting evidence. I thank the MHS administration and the Sheriff’s Office for their diligence.”

The case is currently under investigation.

"Upon completion, it will be sent to the Monroe County Prosecutor for review," Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said.

Shaw requests the community’s patience during the investigation by law enforcement.

“People want to have all of the information before the investigation is complete and will jump to conclusions without all of the facts or information,” Shaw said. “I ask that the community allow the Sheriff's Office to complete the investigation. These matters take time."

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The cheer program's second cheer coach also resigned. Shaw said the two cheer coaching positions were posted immediately after the resignations, and both have been filled.

"Tryouts are beginning shortly, and we wanted families to know that students will be working with an entirely new high school cheer staff," the news release said.

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler atswisler@monroenews.com.