Fate of Carroll football program in UIL hands as district submits report
Carroll ISD officials have handed over to the UIL a report on its football program which on Jan. 24 prompted the district to place head football coach Hal Wasson on paid administrative leave.
The report was sent to the University Interscholastic League late Wednesday, a Carroll official said Thursday.
UIL spokesperson Kate Hector said the report will be reviewed by staff personnel, including director of athletics Susan Elza, and determine if rules have been broken. Hector said the UIL hopes to respond to Carroll “within two weeks.” Hector could not comment on specifics of the report but confirmed it was “more than 10 pages” in length.
The Star-Telegram has filed an Open Records request for copies of all material regarding the review of the program, and material that prompted initiation of the review. Carroll ISD on Feb. 8 filed an appeal to the Attorney General’s Office to withhold certain information.
Wasson’s fate has been on hold since Jan. 24, when Carroll ISD superintendent David Faltys said in an email letter to Dragon Football Families that the district had determined there was a need to conduct an internal review of the program, and that a report would be shared with the UIL — the state’s governing body for public school extra-curricular activities.
Wasson is being represented by Austin-based attorneys, Karl “Tiger” Hanner and Tony Conners. Messages left for both seeking comment were not returned.
According to district policy, if Carroll is to make a move regarding Wasson’s status it would be specified in a school board agenda item. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 26. However, the board can call a special meeting. If so, it is required to give 72 hours notice.
The review focused on the culture of the football program, procedures as they relate to UIL rules and ensuring employees’ understanding and compliance with district policies, practices and guidelines. The review was conducted by Carroll athletic director Darren Allman, assistant superintendents and the human resources department.
At a Feb. 5 school board meeting, six parents spoke on Wasson’s behalf. Faltys and the board spent nearly four hours in closed session with the district’s attorney to review the findings.
Wasson, 61, is 121-25 with an .829 winning percentage in his 11 seasons at Carroll, including a state championship in 2011.
The UIL can act on the report or refer the report to the District 5-6A executive committee for review and any potential punishment. The committee is made up principals and athletic directors/campus coordinators from Euless Trinity, Carroll, Hurst L.D. Bell, Lewisville, Hebron, Flower Mound, Flower Mound Marcus and Trophy Club Nelson high schools. At minimum, Carroll could face a private or public reprimand.
Wasson is in the middle of completing the first half of a two-year contract. A Star-Telegram story this past fall noted Wasson’s salary at $115,126. The Dragons finished 10-4 in 2017 and advanced to the Class 6A Division II state quarterfinals before falling to Waco Midway, 42-28.
This story was originally published February 15, 2018 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Fate of Carroll football program in UIL hands as district submits report."