OWOSSO, Mich. – The Owosso School District has announced the resignation of its high school athletic director, Steve Irelan, who also served as the assistant principal, after being accused of bullying and retaliation. The resignation follows an incident at a volleyball game in October that prompted a formal investigation.
According to Superintendent Steve Brooks, Irelan stepped down following a report that alleged he removed a group of students from the campus during the game for causing a disturbance. The situation escalated when one parent accused Irelan of bullying and specifically targeting one of the students involved. The parent requested a meeting with Irelan to discuss the issue, but Irelan declined to engage.
The district launched an investigation into the matter, interviewing witnesses and reviewing video footage. While the investigation found no concrete evidence of bullying, Brooks explained that the appearance of retaliation was a violation of district policy.
“The investigation did not support the bullying claims, but there was a concern regarding the perception of retaliation, which goes against our standards of conduct,” said Brooks in a statement. “We take such matters seriously and hold our staff to the highest standards, both in conduct and in fostering a positive environment for students.”
Irelan’s resignation concludes a brief but controversial tenure in the district, with many parents and community members expressing concern over the handling of the situation. Brooks emphasized that the district would continue to work on maintaining a safe and respectful atmosphere for both students and staff.
At this time, the district has not announced plans for a replacement or further action, though they remain committed to ensuring the integrity of their policies moving forward.
