JERRY CITY ? Dean Zeigler will not be returning as Elmwood?s head football coach this season, according
to superintendent Steve Pritts.
Zeigler, who was placed on administrative leave in January pending an investigation into possible
misconduct, is still under a paid suspension, said Pritts in a phone interview Monday.
?We?re still, pending the investigation … waiting on information. No arrangements or agreements have
been made at this point in time,? Pritts said.
Pritts declined to comment on the reason why Zeigler will not be returning as coach.
?There?s very little information regarding this case that can be put out there. It?s for the benefit of
everybody. We don?t want people to overreact one way based on information on gossip and rumors,? Pritts
said. ?When this thing comes to the end we?ll lay out the facts.?
Pritts said the investigation into the situation by Elmwood officials and the Wood County Sheriff?s
Department is continuing, but added he didn’?t know when the investigation would be completed.
?That?s where we are. The investigation is still pending. There?s not much more we can disclose,? Pritts
said. ?We?ve been in conversation (with the Wood County Prosecutor?s Office) but there has not been any
more details released.?
?Any investigation takes a long time simply because you want to get it right,? he added. ?We want to make
sure that we?re fair to all parties involved, so that when we make our determination on our action that
it?s going to be based on the facts.?
Zeigler, a business teacher at the high school, was placed on paid administrative leave Jan. 5 pending an
investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct with a female student. Zeigler, who has been
with the district since 1999, also took over duties as high school athletic director this past school
year. Michelle Story was named the new Elmwood athletic director at the May Board of Education meeting.

Elmwood assistant Vic Meyer will replace Zeigler as varsity football coach. Zeigler guided the Royals to
an overall record of 56-37 during his tenure. Elmwood earned a share of the SLL championship in 2003,
2005 and 2006.
The Royals were 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the Suburban Lakes League last season.
Although the first allegations of misconduct surfaced early this year and the investigation still is not
completed, Pritts is confident that Elmwood?s role in the investigation has been satisfactory.
?With the school?s investigation it has gone as well as I think it could,? Pritts said. ?We have gathered
the information. We need to draw this to a conclusion.?