HINTON, Iowa — Two Hinton Community Schools students have been "reassigned" while law enforcement authorities investigate allegations of assaults involving members of the school's boys wrestling team.
The school board approved the action in separate 3-1 votes after coming out of closed sessions at a special meeting Thursday night. Superintendent Ken Slater on Friday said he could not elaborate on the disciplinary action or further define what reassigning is because the district is unable to comment on confidential student matters.
"We're doing our best to follow the procedures," Slater said.
The school board's policy manual posted on the district's website defines several student disciplinary measures, including detention, suspension, probation and expulsion. It does not mention "reassigning," though the manual says the district's disciplinary measures are not limited only to those listed in the manual.
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"I can share that the district has policies and procedures to address allegations of student misconduct and is committed to providing a safe and positive school environment," Slater said in a statement released earlier this week. "I cannot share any more info regarding personnel matters."
While Hinton's wrestlers compete in the state individual tournament in Des Moines this weekend, their head coach remains behind. Casey Crawford was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this week. Slater said Crawford is on leave only from his coaching duties and continues to teach math classes at the school.
The team's wrestlers were observed at Wells Fargo Arena wearing t-shirts with the words, "Free Crawford."
Slater said assistant coach Woody Skoudos also was placed on paid administrative leave with Crawford, but has been reinstated. Skoudos was coaching at this week's state meet, where eight Blackhawk wrestlers qualified in Class 1A.
Police in Hinton and Coralville, Iowa, are investigating alleged incidents that may have included hazing among wrestlers on the team.
Hinton police chief James Conway said in an email he could not comment because of an ongoing investigation involving multiple agencies.
At least one of the incidents is alleged to have occurred while the team was at the state wrestling dual tournament Feb. 3 in Coralville.
Ken Slater, Hinton Community School District Superintendent, talks about the need to pass a bond issue and levy to improve the district's. Comments came during a public forum on Oct. 26.
Coralville police chief Shane Kron said an unidentified caller reported a possible assault on Feb. 4. Kron said the initial report said the incident involved juveniles and occurred sometime from Feb. 2-4 and did not give a location where the incident occurred. The report did not provide any details about the incident.
"It's just listed as an assault," Kron said.
He said he could not comment further because the case remains under investigation. He said he would not release the juveniles' names.
If you have information to share regarding this story, contact Nick Hytrek at nhytrek@siouxcityjournal.com or 712-293-4226 or dave dreeszen at ddreeszen@siouxcityjournal.com or 712-293-4211.
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