RUMFORD – Mountain Valley High School assistant coach Rick White was suspended sometime during or after Friday night’s football game with Fryeburg.

Neither high school principal Matt Gilbert nor the district’s athletic director, John Bernard, would comment on the suspension.

Nearly 50 parents, students and others turned out for the SAD 43 board meeting Monday night. All who spoke either supported White or questioned Superintendent Jim Hodgkin’s decision.

“Rick White was suspended for not looking after a player. Who made the allegation? What was their agenda? I’ve seen him take personal time with students to help or rehabilitate them on and off the field,” said Phil Mccrillis, reading from a letter he had submitted to the board. “It’s a cruel joke that coach White should be put through this ordeal.”

Another parent, Janet Brennick, questioned allegations she said involved diabetes.

“Was there any training to coaches or teachers who deal with this student? There should have been,” she said.

Her husband, Michael, added, “We’re just getting bits and pieces. This is not just about coaching but about his livelihood,” he said.

Hodgkin said the matter was a personnel issue and as such, he had to follow procedure according to the bargaining agreement.

“This is a process we are bound to,” he said.

Another district coach, Gary Dolloff, wanted to know whether the suspension was made before or after the investigation. He also wanted to know how much medical training he should have.

“I’ve been a coach for years and I love coaching. If I go into wrestling season and I have a kid with a problem, I want to know I am doing the best job. Should I know how to use an asthma inhaler or a diabetes kit?” he asked.

Dr. Dieter Kreckel also came to White’s defense.

“I go to almost every football game and many basketball games. He’s (White) always concerned about how his kids are doing. He understands what his limits are and he’s not going to do something to put someone in harm’s way,” he said.

Hodgkin said he had information that everyone else did not have, but because the matter was a personnel issue, he could not discuss it. He also assured those in attendance that White was notified that an investigation was being conducted. Hodgkin made the decision to suspend him.

The board intended to meet in closed sessions following the public portion of the meeting later Monday night. Whether one of the three executive sessions concerned White was not revealed.