Schools
UPDATE: Edina Athletic Director John Soma Resigns Following Allegations
District officials said claims about Soma had prompted an investigation, though his resignation ends that process.
Athletic Director and Assistant Principal John Soma has resigned from his position at , amid a district investigation into undisclosed allegations.
Spokeswoman Susan Brott said the Board of Education accepted Soma's resignation during a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 10. His resignation is effective immediately and closes out an investigation the district had launched regarding unspecified allegations against Soma.
"A variety of sources came forward with an allegation and we placed Mr. Soma on leave on Aug. 23," Brott said. "The allegations were investigated and he opted to resign from the district. We wish him nothing but the best."
Find out what's happening in Edinafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The allegation is not public information due to privacy laws, Brott said, but noted it has nothing to do with his employment in Edina and is not criminal in nature.
Soma, 34, said the decision to resign was "based on what is best for me and my family."
Find out what's happening in Edinafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"It was not an easy decision, but I know Edina will continue its tradition of success in the classroom and on the field, based on their outstanding staff, students and community," Soma said.
The district said it's focused on transition plans for the athletic department, with nothing set at this point. An interim athletic director might be appointed within the next few days, according to Brott.
EHS Principal Bruce Locklear will lead the transition of the athletic department, with day-to-day operations continuing to be handled by the athletic department staff. Coach and athlete issues will be directed to Dr. Locklear until a long-term plan is in place.
As for Soma's duties as assistant principal, the existing EHS administration team will share them for now.
Soma has been with Edina Public Schools since 2009. Prior to that, he was employed as activities director at Woodbury High School. He was a 1996 WHS graduate, then returned as a math teacher from 2000-2004, when he became the school's activities director.
Like Edina Patch on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our daily newsletter
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
