The Ronan School District last week responded to claims made about the events surrounding the resignation of former head high school softball coach Joe Verbanic.

In a statement issued Friday, April 24, the school district described that allegations of misconduct made by some students and families did not match up with the allegations that were relayed to the school district.

The district also refuted accounts that a public school board meeting in November 2025 saw a dozen students with their families protest the coach’s hiring. In its statement, the district claimed the meeting drew “a few” students with their parents, both in favor and against the hiring.

A recording and minutes of the Nov. 10, 2025 meeting show that comments about the hiring were taken in a closed session.

“I know there are several people here that wish to speak on this item,” Board Chair Bob Cornwell commented after introducing the agenda item.

He explained that only “general comments” would be taken in the public setting and that “specific comments” would be reserved for a closed session, with families coming into the room one at a time. One parent who wanted to talk about the state of the softball program was cut off and told to make the comment in the closed session.

In the meeting, Cornwell asked for a show of hands of who would be making comments in the closed session, but the video recording does not indicate how many people responded. After asking for the show of hands, Cornwell said “five,” but it is unclear if that number references individuals or families, as siblings were told they should make comments in the closed session together.

When the meeting returned to open session, Cornwell thanked the public for “showing up and voicing their concerns.”

“Again, I want to thank everyone, especially the kids, I know it can be difficult to come and speak in front of everybody,” he said.

The board voted 5-2 on a motion to approve the hiring following a short discussion about background checks and how complaints against coaches are handled.

Verbanic was put on administrative leave two games into the 2026 softball season. In its statement, the school district said it put the coach on administrative leave on April 9 due to reports of what they called “concerning interactions.” Verbanic resigned before the investigation was complete, the district said.

The district’s statement also noted that Verbanic denied any misconduct.

“Just to be clear, whenever the District receives a report like the one stated, we take it very seriously,” reads the statement signed by Superintendent Mark Johnston. “We will put the coach on administrative leave so we can conduct the necessary interviews without interference. This in no way means the coach is innocent or guilty of the alleged actions.”

Multiple parents told the Leader that issues raised about Verbanic’s alleged behavior toward the players had gone unaddressed and that communication about his leave was sparse. Players were informed at practice on April 17 that Verbanic had resigned.

When reached out to for further clarification on the situation, Johnston, Activities Director Aschan Richards and Ronan High School Principal Kevin Kenelty did not respond at press time.

Assistant coach Macao Jackson is serving as interim head coach.