By Marcy Stamper
Liberty Bell High School Activities Director Mike Wilson was placed on paid administrative leave on Oct. 7, confirmed Methow Valley School District Superintendent Tom Venable last week.
The decision to place Wilson on leave is connected with an incident that occurred at an athletic event on Oct. 4, at which a student broke a window on Wilson’s vehicle with a rock, according to Chief Deputy Dave Rodriguez of the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Department. The incident was referred to the juvenile prosecutor, and the sheriff’s investigation relating to the window-breaking incident has been closed, said Rodriguez.
There is a separate investigation into whether anything in the past between the student and Wilson may have contributed to the window incident, said Rodriguez, and that investigation is ongoing. No further details can be released, both because the matter is under investigation and because it involves a juvenile, said Rodriguez.
“Administrative leave is not disciplinary in nature. It simply provides the district, as the employer, time to review the situation,” said Venable by email.
Venable said the district is protecting Wilson’s privacy and is not able to discuss any details of the matter. “The district is cooperating with law enforcement as they assess the situation,” wrote Venable.
Venable said the district had carefully reviewed the incident involving the student, consulted its policy and procedures, and initiated immediate disciplinary action.
The status of the case with the Okanogan County Department of Juvenile Services could not be learned.
Hunter Maltais, transportation supervisor for the school district, is serving as the acting activities director until further notice, said Venable.
Wilson has been with the school district for 10 years.
