Austintown coach under investigation after accusation

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

Austintown school district officials have put a coach on administrative leave while they investigate accusations against the person.

Superintendent Vincent Colaluca said the coach’s season is over, and noted the district still owes the coach some money from the season, so there is pay with the leave.

The nature of the accusation and the gender and sport of the coach were not disclosed by the superintendent.

According to a news release Friday, Austintown schools officials became aware Tuesday of allegations against a part-time coach, who is under a limited contract. That same day the board of education had its monthly meeting.

Colaluca said during the board’s executive session personnel matters were discussed, but he did not elaborate. He said the family of the student came to the district about the accusation.

The news release said Austintown police and Child Protective Services have been contacted while the school district does an internal investigation.

Earlier this year, Austintown fired John Dietz after allegations were made toward the Austintown Fitch social-studies teacher for inappropriate relationships with five female students. He is challenging that decision through arbitration.