LEROY— By the end of the night, LeRoy-Ostrander parents, staff and students were left with more questions as the details surrounding the investigation of two high school coaches remained unanswered Tuesday night.

Piecing together limited information that was publicly mentioned, more than 60 parents and staff members decried the handling of an investigation, stating that the school board and Superintendent Jeff Sampson had not been transparent in what had instigated the investigation of two staff members.

Sampson stated during the meeting that they were not identifying the two staff members who were placed on leave about two weeks ago because of “data privacy,” however, those that spoke during the comment period had repeatedly referred to Principal Aaron Hungerholt, who is also the L-O head football coach, and Trevor Carrier, a fifth grade teacher and head assistant boy’s football coach and head boys basketball coach.

“No employee has ever been put on leave like this before and we’re breaking ground by going to the nuclear option,” said Dave Lunning, who previously served on the L-O School Board for over two decades. “What a bitter disappointment and they won’t even tell the people who are accused of what they’re being accused of  … there’s a lack of trust from staff and the community. This breathes corruption and mistrust.”

From scattered bits of commentary from the public, parents had only learned of the investigation after Hungerholt and Carrier were allegedly escorted out of the school in front of several students and parents earlier this month. There was also little information shared with the public about the investigation as interim coaches and an interim principal were situated at the school during their absence.

The Austin Daily Herald had attempted to gain statements from Sampson and Board Member Angie Olson last week regarding the investigation, but requests were declined, with “data privacy concerns” as the reason.

Lunning stated that Hungerholt and Carrier returned to their positions at the school, but are currently still under investigation and are still unable to return to their coaching duties.

Several members of the public went as far as producing a petition with over 200 signatures, demanding that Board Chairman Justin Kennedy resigns from his position as well as requesting that Sampson “be relieved of his duties as superintendent at LeRoy-Ostrander School District.”

Kyle Stern, a father of four and business owner, had helped organize the petition, expressing his anger with the handling of the situation and described the current atmosphere in the district to be “toxic.”

“The day these two friends of mine were escorted out of the school, I began asking questions,” Stern said. “The board did not answer those questions. We are trying to remove the board chair and superintendent. …it hurts to even be a part of this. But, the community is trying to come together to push against personal vendettas.”

During the meeting, Board Treasurer Steve Kasel had made two motions: to end the investigation of the two coaches, and to immediately reinstate them to their coaching positions. Ultimately, both motions failed with a 4-3 vote and 5-2 vote respectively. To which, the public expressed their disdain and disbelief.

“Last month we voted 6-1 and one abstained to approve these coaches. ….what changed?” Kasel asked the rest of the board. To which, none responded.

Officials also declined to speak with media outlets after the meeting regarding the investigation. As Sampson and other board members walked out of the room, members of the public jeered at them, yelling out “cowards.”

When asked whether he had felt the meeting had produced any more information than before, Lunning shook his head.

“No,” he said. “None whatsoever.”