The Idaho State Board of Education on Thursday fired University of Idaho athletic director Rob Spear after an investigation into how his department handled sexual assault and harassment complaints.

The Idaho Statesman reported the board voted unanimously at a meeting in Pocatello, designating the firing as one done for “convenience,” which means because of a “contractual right” set forth in Spear’s employment agreement with the university, he will receive compensation for the remainder of the term of his employment agreement. The agreement terminates on Feb. 17, 2020.

Prior to the vote, Idaho State Board of Education board member Emma Atchley made the following statement and motion:

“We’re involved in consideration of Dr. (Rob) Spear’s employment status as a result of President (Chuck) Staben’s disclosure of a conflict of interest and at President Staben’s request to recuse himself. As a result of the President’s recusal, the Board is not considering or giving any weight to information or opinions he may have provided. The independent report commissioned by the University to review the University’s response to 2012 and 2013 allegations of sexual misconduct identified in a number of ways the University failed to respond appropriately to allegations of sexual misconduct. The investigators concluded that the University failed to provide proper notice and education to the University community of significant changes to its policies regarding sexual misconduct. The report said “[t]he result of the failures to provide proper notice of policy changes and education regarding Title IX resulted in those in the Athletics Department (as well as in other departments), lacking an understanding of the appropriate processes to address allegations of misconduct.” We’ve considered the report, comments received from the public and the university community, information received from the University’s counsel, and information received from Dr. Spear and his legal counsel. After considering this information and what’s in the University’s and the students’ best interest, I move to terminate for convenience pursuant to Dr. Spear’s employment agreement with the University.”

Spear has been on paid administrative leave since April 3 while the investigation was underway. Spear could not be immediately reached for comment.

The investigation was launched after the Statesman ran a series of stories reporting on complaints by three different women, including two student athletes, against a football player in 2012 and 2013.

Both the university and Spear have acknowledged that Title IX policy wasn’t followed when one of the female student athletes accused the football player of sexual assault; the football player was later dismissed from the team when a surveillance video surfaced backing the woman’s allegation.

All three allegations were reported to school officials and Moscow Police at the time.

Spear has worked at Idaho since 1989, and has been athletic director since 2004. His latest contract was for $196,958 annually through Feb. 17, 2020.

Spear was placed on an initial 60-day leave the day before the ASUI student senate voted 10-5 to ask for his resignation. The leave was extended May 31 to provide more time for investigation.

Spear has cited confusing policies and a lack of Title IX training while discussing his actions in 2012-13.

While Spear was on leave, the State Board of Education announced that it wouldn’t renew University of Idaho President Chuck Staben’s contract beyond the 2018-2019 school year.

Fourteen boosters had signed a letter to the State Board suggesting Staben be removed from office, with his decision to place Spear on leave among the complaints.

The University of Idaho released the following statement:

“The Idaho State Board of Education, sitting as the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho, made a difficult decision today about the university’s athletic director. University leadership respects this decision and will work closely with the board and, with the support of our university community, will continue to move our great institute forward in a positive and productive way. Pete Isakson has been serving the university well as acting athletic director during this difficult time. He will continue in this role for the foreseeable future.”