Superintendent finds 'insufficient evidence' to proceed
Matt Rosati, the West Geauga teacher and football coach who was placed on paid administrative leave after allegations of football program misconduct, will return to West Geauga High School on Thursday after an investigation by the school has ended.
Matt Rosati, the West Geauga teacher and football coach who was placed on paid administrative leave after allegations of football program misconduct, will return to West Geauga High School on Thursday after an investigation by the school has ended.
In a letter to Rosati, West Geauga Superintendent Richard Markwardt wrote: “In reviewing the results, which include interviews of over 30 individuals and video footage, I find insufficient evidence to warrant a pre-disciplinary hearing.”
In an email, Rosati’s lawyer, Vincent J. Calo wrote: “He is thankful to (West Geauga Schools) for reaching the correct conclusion in this matter. Mr. Rosati has prided himself on helping instill integrity, accountability, and work ethic in his students and athletes during his stellar 35 year career. Allegations of any misconduct directed at him were vehemently denied at the onset of this matter.”
Rosati’s current contract is one year and extends for the current school year. Typically, Markwardt said, the board of education issues a blanket non-renewal of such contracts in the spring, which means it would have to be renewed for next school year.
According to several sources familiar with the matter, the misconduct allegedly involved Wolverines players stealing a football from a football camp.
Markwardt wrote in the letter to Rosati that the majority of those interviewed alleged that misconduct occurred within the program. “However, a sizable number of individuals testified that no such misconduct was committed,” Markwardt wrote.
The process was “extremely stressful” to Rosati, but he was thankful for the outpouring of support he received from the community, and “alumni from 22 states; fellow coaches and teachers; administrators and athletic directors he has worked with for the past 35 years; friends and family. He looks forward to resuming his career as a teacher and coach and helping lead young men and women,” his lawyer said.
The Wolverines finished the football season at a disappointing 2-8 this season.
