P'burg coach facing probe Rick Thompson's supporters speak out. District won't say why he's being investigated. Tuesday, July 18, 2006 • By SARAH CASSI • The Express-Times PHILLIPSBURG | School district administrators are investigating high school wrestling coach and teacher Rick Thompson, but district officials will not publicly disclose the reason for the investigation. The school board learned details of the administration's investigation in a two-hour closed session during Monday night's special meeting. Board President Paul Rummerfeld said Thompson was issued a Rice notice and chose to keep discussions about the investigation private. Rice notices are provided to government and public school employees when a public body plans to discuss an employee's performance or employment status. Under state law, an employee can opt to have this discussion in public rather than behind closed doors. Thompson offered no comment under advice of attorney. But he said he was touched by the "overwhelming support" he received from athletes, parents, fans and co-workers, about 160 of whom attended Monday's meeting. Twenty of those supporters spoke on his behalf, including his wife, Becky, who, like many in attendance, said she feels that her husband is wrongly being investigated. The couple have been married seven years and reside in Lower Nazareth Township. "I think it's unfair what they're doing to him," Becky Thompson said. "He hasn't done anything wrong. I feel certain people are out for him. He doesn't deserve to be humiliated in the town he loves." Rummerfeld told the crowd at Monday's meeting that the board would be unable to answer any questions or discuss the investigation. "I hope you can appreciate the fact that legally we cannot respond to anything it actually jeopardizes Rick's rights," Rummerfeld said. "This is not something the board is weighing lightly. This is a serious matter." Board labor attorney Richard Bauch said law enforcement officials are not involved in the investigation and, following district policy, the teacher's association provided Thompson with representation when he was questioned during the investigation. The next step will be for the district to finalize the investigation and make a recommendation to the board about Thompson's job status as a health and physical education teacher, Bauch said. "I don't see this dragging on interminably," Bauch said. The investigation began this spring, he said. Rummerfeld said no decision was made to fire Thompson, who has twice before been removed as wrestling coach. "Rick's interaction with students is not at question here," Rummerfeld said. "I should just keep my mouth shut. I'm going to get myself in trouble." After the meeting Rummerfeld would not discuss the investigation and referred questions to Bauch. Among those who filled the middle school cafeteria, 19 co-workers, students and parents expressed overwhelming support for Thompson during a public comment period. Dan Marino spoke of the support Thompson offered when Marino's father, Larry Marino Sr., passed away last fall. "He's a great man. Some people may not like him, but they respect him," Marino said. Helene Meisner spoke of sharing an office with Thompson when she was a parent liaison at the high school. "I understand he's done something stupid. I don't know what it is, and I don't even care," Meisner said. "He just wants the kids to do well and be proud of themselves if you ask me, that's what a coach is." Reporter Sarah Cassi can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at scassi@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express-Times. Used with permission.