Pair are political rivals in upcoming race for Marshall County superintendent
From STAFF REPORTS
An Asbury High School coach has been placed on administrative leave due to an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student.
But the details of how the case has been handled are at odds.
Marshall County schools Superintendent Cindy Wigley announced Friday afternoon she suspended the unidentified coach last month — more than a month after the case came to the attention of school administrators.
Hours later, Asbury principal Clay Webber refuted Wigley’s statement, saying it was “misleading and does not accurately reflect” the situation.
Webber has announced his intention to challenge Wigley for the superintendent role in the May 19 Republican primary.
Wigley said that on the night of Nov. 15, an Asbury staff member witnessed comments made by two students “alleging an inappropriate relationship between a coach and a student.”
Wigley said the staff member, whom she did not identify, immediately contacted assistant principal Matthew Pendergrass, and the next morning both met with Webber.
She said administrators then met with the coach.
Wigley said Webber only notified Deputy Superintendent Annie Spike of the situation on Dec. 17 and said a report was submitted to the Department of Human Resources. The school also notified the Alabama State Department of Education.
Wigley said she placed the coach on administrative leave pending further investigation, and after “an update” from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
But Webber said Wigley’s account failed to mention previous reports to law enforcement.
“While I am limited in what I can share due to the nature of personnel issues and an active investigation, I can guarantee that all legally required protocols were followed and that the Marshall County sheriff’s department can confirm this as well,” Webber said.
“I have devoted more than 18 years to public education and unfortunately rumors do arise from time to time in school settings. Rumors are not the same as substantiated complaints or allegations.”
Webber said he didn’t receive a substantiated complaint or allegation until Dec. 17 and that he immediately filed a formal report “in accordance with policy and legal requirements.”
Webber said the school cooperated with an independent investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.
“There is no indication or suspicion of wrongdoing by any student at AHS,” Wigley said. “We will continue to protect the safety and integrity of every student within our school system.”
Marshall County schools Superintendent Cindy Wigley (left) and Asbury principal Clay Webber.
