Nov 21, 2013 2 min read

Trinity Area School Board Thursday failed to approve a settlement agreement that would have resulted in the termination of high school varsity volleyball coach Thomas Kurtz, who has been accused of verbal abuse toward players, among other complaints.

Some board members objected to the terms of the agreement, which call for Kurtz to be paid $9,884, the amount remaining on his three-year contract.

The volleyball team finished the season with a 1-11 record in Kurtz’s first year as head coach.

But players’ parents said they were more concerned about Kurtz’s conduct toward the girls and contacted administrators and school board members about what they described as bullying, intimidating and demeaning behavior.

Several attended Thursday’s meeting to voice their complaints, including one player who told the board she had been bullied.

One parent, Gary Stadelman, said he had not witnessed any verbal abuse and he believed parents were disgruntled over girls’ playing time.

His daughter, a member of the voleyball team, said she did not believe Kurtz bullied players.

Superintendent Paul Kasunich said the school district conducted an investigation, but did not disclose the results of the investigation. Kasunich met twice with Kurtz to discuss the allegations.

Board members Henry Clemons, Sandy Clutter, Jenene Hupp, Colleen Interval and Tamara Salvatori voted against the settlement agreement. Penny Caleffe, Scott Day, Jennifer Morgan and Kerrin McIlvaine were in favor.

Some directors contend Kurtz should not get any settlement money and believe they have received enough information to warrant his dismissal.

“I will gladly accept this resignation, but not on the terms of paying him out,” said director Sandy Clutter.