(Published Saturday, May 26, 2007 01:24:26 AM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
By Frank Schultz Gazette staff
John Mauermann used "excessively profane and degrading language toward players," according to a report of an investigation into complaints against the Janesville Bluebirds hockey coach.
Evidence was not found that Mauermann physically abused any player, and several of the complaints against him were found to be not as serious as alleged by a player's parent.
The Janesville Gazette requested the report under the terms of the state's Open Records Law. The school district turned over the report on Friday evening.
The report concludes that the only violation of school board policies was Mauermann's use of excessive language.
Meanwhile, school officials aren't saying whether Mauermann has a future with the team.
The school board met Friday afternoon to discuss the matter, but board members would not comment after the meeting.
District officials told Mauermann earlier this spring that he would be suspended for five games next season, apparently as a result of the complaints and the investigation. He was told later that the Craig and Parker principals had decided not to renew his contract.
The report states that Michael F. Scieszinski, the father of a player, lodged the complaints.
Neither Scieszinski nor Mauermann could be reached for comment as the holiday weekend began Friday evening.
Mauermann was allowed under the law to contest the release of the report, but he waived his right to do so.
The board's attorney, James Fowler, said the board made a decision, and he hoped to be able to announce something about that next week.
Fowler said he needed to satisfy the requirements of the state's Open Meetings Law before he could say anything about the board's decision.
Fowler referred reporters to the published notice for the closed meeting, which states that the matter to be discussed would be an investigation into charges that, if disclosed to the public, would likely harm the reputation of one or more persons.
The notice also stated that closing the meeting would preserve the confidentiality of pupil records.
