Former Zachary principal files suit

• By JOE GYAN JR.
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Jul 23, 2009 - Page: 1B

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Zachary High School’s former principal claims School Superintendent Warren Drake wanted him to fire the school’s head football coach last year because the coach wasn’t “pushing’’ Drake’s son enough to make all-district.

Drake’s son did not make the all-district team announced in mid-December, and two days later Drake told Principal Kevin Lemoine his contract would not be renewed for the next school year, according to a lawsuit Lemoine filed Tuesday.

When contacted Wednesday and told that a suit had been filed, Drake said he had not seen the suit and did not want to hear about the allegations.

Zachary Community School Board members and Drake refused Dec. 17 to publicly discuss reasons for relieving Coach Bob Howell of his duties and not renewing Lemoine’s contract.

Lemoine resigned in January after Drake told him he would not be recommended for a new contract. Lemoine went to work with the state Department of Education’s Special School District.

Lemoine’s suit, filed in state district court in Baton Rouge, contends Drake approached Lemoine at the end of the 2007-2008 football season and “accused Howell of ‘not pushing’ his son enough in order for his son to make All-District and suggested to (Lemoine) that he wanted Coach Howell fired as a result.’’

Lemoine refused to fire Howell, the suit says.

During the last game of the season on Nov. 28, Drake’s son was pulled from the game by Howell, the suit notes.

After Drake’s son was not named to the All-District team announced Dec. 14, “Drake again approached (Lemoine) and suggested that he terminate Coach Howell as a result,’’ the suit alleges.

Drake called Lemoine into his office Dec. 15 and “pressured him to terminate Coach Howell,’’ but once again Lemoine refused, the suit says, adding that Drake became “irate.’’

Drake informed Lemoine on Dec. 16 that his contract would not be renewed, according to the suit.

Lemoine had signed a contract July 1, 2007, that was to extend until June 30, 2009, the suit says.

Lemoine’s suit, filed against Drake and the Zachary Community School Board, maintains Drake had no right under the terms of Lemoine’s contract to terminate him unless for good and just cause.