CARMEL, Ind. -- Carmel Clay Schools released a statement Thursday afternoon explaining why girls basketball coach Tod Windlan was terminated, citing “differences in opinion” regarding Windlan’s leadership.
Students and others rallied in support of Windlan, took their concerns to the school board and demanded answers about why Windlan was removed from a position he’s held since 2014.
Call 6 Investigates pressed the district for more information on Windlan’s firing.
Under Indiana law, schools are supposed to provide the factual basis for a disciplinary action against employees who are suspended, demoted, or discharged.
Wednesday, the district released a statement saying the girls basketball coach is under a year-to-year contract that is reviewed annually.
“Unlike teachers under contract, there is no expectation that a coach will be continued in employment for the next season,” read the statement. “After the basketball season ended, Carmel High School administrators conducted a review of the program. This review was thorough and included multiple interviews with student athletes, members of the coaching staff as well as parents.”
At least five families raised concerns about the program, documents show, but it’s unclear what those concerns were.
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“The review revealed that there were differences in opinion regarding the leadership provided by
the head basketball coach,” read the statement released Thursday. “What became clear, however, was that the players and families involved in the program had become divided and the program could be adversely affected by that division. The administration determined a change in leadership was necessary.”
Carmel Clay Schools ARE searching for a new coach for the 2018-2019 season.
“Carmel Clay Schools will employ a new coach with the intention of providing a fresh start for the program to move forward on a unified basis under new leadership,” read the statement.
Windlan is also a teacher at the school and he has not been fired from his teaching position.
Windlan has not responded to requests for comment from RTV6.
Before he was hired by Carmel Clay Schools, Windlan worked for Warren Central High School and Hamilton Heights.
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