Inconsistencies in Policies, Incidents of Hazing Found by Review of St. Charles East Athletics

A review of the St. Charles East High School's Athletic Department showed an inconsistent review process for coaches, a perception of favoritism toward certain sports and incidents of hazing, according to a report released by District 303 on Friday.

The independent review, conducted by a former superintendent and a former athletic director from District 211, also found an elaborate boosters program at both schools East and North high school.

District Superintendent Don Schlomann told St. Charles Patch and other members of the media on Friday that, as a response to the conclusions, he is recommending changes to the athletic department policies and procedures, including strategies for for handling bullying or hazing at the schools.

"These are my expectations about what will happen across the district," Schlomann said.

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While many deficiencies were identified in the review, the report also highlighted positives for the department, such as supportive parent base and dedicated coaches.

Days before the report was released, East's Athletic Director had announced this retirement effective in June. In the wake of the findings, Schlomann praised Krieg and said that no one cared more about "Saints nation" athletics than he.

"In no way am I disappointed with Jerry Krieg and his performance," Schlomann told members of the media on Friday.

The reviews findings referenced a perception that the Athletic Director had favored certain sports—football, girls' basketball and baseball.

In recent weeks, backlash erupted from parents and students  regarding the decision by Krieg and East administration to drop as head coach for the boys basketball teams and has focused on the conduct of the Athletic Department leadership. Krieg's retirement announcement coincides with the conclusions of the review, but district officials maintain that idea to examine policies and process of the department began with growing concerns about bullying and hazing.

"This discussion about the review, while would seem to be connected directly to the basketball program, really wasn’t," Schlomann said.

The review's findings reference "numerous complaints" concerning members of the school's Drill Team that included accusations of harassment, hazing and battery. Schlomann said that bullying and hazing concerns stretches to East and North high schools

"We’ve had several concerns at both schools that go well beyond the Drill program," he said.

As a response, all coaches will be required to attended a yearly workshop that outlines responsibility for keeping athletes safe from bullying and hazing, according to a written response provide by the district administration.

A committee which includes district and school officials and parents will be formed to address the organizing of booster clubs in both high schools. Currently, there are more than 50 boosters clubs at the high school level. Schools in some other districts often will only have one central club.

Additionally, the response recommends the formation of a committee tasked with making recommendations on updating the job descriptions for Athletic Directors and Assistant Athletic Directors, as well as the evaluation process for reviewing coaches or retention. 

"The Athletic Director should be doing a review every year on every coach," Schlomann said.

He said on Friday that an interim basketball coach will likely be named this week. Schlomann's only condition for whoever fills that position is that they later cannot apply to become the permanent coach. Following that, either an interim or permanent athletic director will be brought on for East.

Schlomann said these changes are "overdue" and that the district will continue to move on with recommendations.

"We’re going to be very open about where are warts are," he said.