The School Board decision to fire Mitch King came last Monday (4/18/05), but they just released the information this Monday (4/25/05). King stands accused of sexually assaulting a student over the course of a year.
The district hired King in September of 1993 as a coach before giving him a teaching contract in August of 1994.
According to the board's media release, they considered the results of an investigation of King's behavior by district officials and held a lengthy closed session to come to a decision.
The district shared the results of that investigation, as well as some details from the criminal investigation into King.
"We wanted to make sure we didn't share information that would jeopardize the criminal prosecution for August. We had to walk a fine line when we presented the information to the School Board," says Stephen Murley, director of Human Resources for the Wausau School District.
The district had been paying King's benefits while he was on unpaid leave, but the termination ended those payments, effective immediately.
King is facing 10 felony counts including second degree assault and child enticement. His next court appearance is set for August.
