The West Hall High School Boys Basketball Coach Zac Swansey has turned in a letter of resignation from his positions at the school following an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a student, school officials said.
"In recent days, rumors had surfaced within the school suggesting an inappropriate relationship between Coach Swansey and a current female student at West Hall High School, which prompted the investigation," school system spokesman and athletics director Gordon Higgins wrote in a media release.
Higgins said it's his understanding the student is 17.
West Hall High School Principal Scott Justus made the announcement Monday. Swansey, who declined comment when reached by phone Monday afternoon, had also worked as an E2020 online learning teacher at the school.
Higgins said rumors about the allegations surfaced about a week ago. At that point, Higgins said Justus interviewed people but could not substantiate the rumors.
"Again today (Monday), he (Justus) got some additional information, and again had more interviews. From these interviews, he had enough evidence, he thought, to speak with the superintendent about dismissing Zac Swansey," Higgins said.
School officials also reported the matter to local law enforcement .
"This matter had just been brought to light to our office today (Monday) and assigned to our investigations division. We will need an opportunity to conduct a full investigation before I can comment further on this matter," Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes said.
A news release from the school system Monday stated that Swansey had been, "dismissed," from his positions. Higgins later clarified that Swansey had submitted a letter of resignation. Higgins said it will be up to the Hall County Board of Education as to whether to officially terminate Swansey.
"They won't meet again until May 16, but I wanted the public to be assured that Coach Swansey will have no further contact with the school district or West Hall High School," Higgins said.
Swansey had worked at West Hall High School for a year. Before that, he was an assistant coach and staff member at Johnson High School for two years.
