RUMFORD – The suspension of Coach Rick White has been lifted.

SAD 43 Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said on Tuesday that Mountain Valley High School’s assistant coach for the varsity football team was at practice Tuesday afternoon.

“The suspension has been lifted, but that doesn’t mean the investigation is over,” Hodgkin said.

Nearly 50 parents, students and others turned out for SAD 43’s regular board meeting Monday night to support White.

Hodgkin said White had been suspended on Thursday, Oct. 12, based on allegations of incidents that had occurred about two weeks prior to the suspension. Although he knew the suspension had been lifted at Monday’s board meeting, he said Tuesday that he could not announce it because of the bargaining process.

He said he, high school Principal Matt Gilbert and athletic director John Bernard expect to complete the investigation within a week or two.

White has been a district coach for more than 20 years, and a special education teacher for at least six years, said Hodgkin. He also is the chairman of the Rumford Parks Commission.

Hodgkin said none of the board’s three closed sessions held after the public portion of Monday’s meeting concerned the White issue.

During Monday’s meeting, supporters said the allegations concerned a child with diabetes. One said coaches and teachers should receive training to deal with students who have medical issues.

Hodgkin declined to provide details on the reasons for White’s suspension.