By Associated Press
Hoover AL – The Hoover city school board on Tuesday night unanimously voted to accept embattled Hoover High football coach Rush Propst's resignation, but Propst will remain in place through the end of the current season.
Superintendent Andy Craig announced the resignation at a special board meeting Tuesday night. Under the agreement, Propst will coach through the end of the season and then be transferred to another job within the school system until his resignation takes effect Aug. 31.
Though the vote was unanimous, some school board members said they were dissatisfied with the outcome and terms of the agreement. Board vice president Suzy Baker said she cast her vote under duress.
The special meeting Tuesday night came amid calls for the resignation or removal of Propst, whose powerhouse program has been swamped by claims of improprieties in the classroom and on the field.
The meeting was set as the president of the five-person board, Donna Frazier, joined in the calls for Propst's departure from Hoover, which was featured for two seasons on MTV's "Two-A-Days" program but had to forfeit four games this season because the state association ruled it played an ineligible player.
The team also has been rocked by a school board investigation that found evidence of grade changing and preferential treatment for some football players, raised questions about the program's finances, and concluded that Propst, who is married and has children, has quietly supported a second family in another town.
Propst, who has five state titles and a 108-15 record at Hoover, spoke to the audience after the meeting. He addressed concerns raised by the investigation and expressed his regret for some actions in his personal life. But he also reiterated his pride in the Hoover football program's accomplishments. Despite the forfeits, the Bucs are still considered a leading contender for a sixth state championship under Propst.