SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Despite spending a near three hours in a closed session Tuesday at the Carroll ISD Administrative Building, Hal Wasson’s future is still undecided.
The board, though, did unanimously approve a motion to authorize “the superintendent to pursue and finalize a resolution regarding the employment of the head football coach pursuant to the terms discussed in closed session” per a report by the Dallas Morning News.
Board member David Almand made the announcement.
The DMN report also stated that board vice president Michelle Moore declined to comment on the details of what was discussed but confirmed that Wasson remained coach and was still on administrative leave.
“As new leadership has come into play, I think the focus on what ‘Protect the Tradition’ really means,” Chase Wasson said to reporters after the board entered the closed session. “When agendas get in the middle of things you start to see splintering, which is what you’re seeing right now.”
Former Dragon quarterback Chase Wasson. Photo courtesy My Southlake News
Chase, Hal’s son, was a quarterback under former Head Coach Todd Dodge during Southlake Carroll’s 2002 Class 5A Division II state championship run. Hal’s daughter Chelsea and brother Tim were also present during the closed session.
Hal Wasson was placed on involuntary administrative leave on Jan. 24, after Carroll ISD moved to appoint a committee to conduct a internal review of its football program. The closed session surrounded UIL violations’ findings by that committee while the football program was under Hal Wasson’s watch.
Some of the minor potential offenses published Feb. 16 were:
- A sixth-grade football camp for Carroll students was held at the high school on dates prohibited by the UIL. Carroll football coaches were paid to conduct the camp.
- Football sub-varsity athletes were required to go through off-season workouts on game day, which is a UIL violation.
- Coaches who were under contract with other districts were working with members of the Dragons football team before they officially joined the Carroll program, which is a UIL violation.
According to the agenda posted by Carroll ISD, the members discussed the employment, evaluation and the duties and responsibilities of high school football program coaching staff. That included its head football coach and all legal and procedural issues regarding the district report to the UIL concerning the football program.
Carroll ISD’s next board meeting is Feb. 26, but the school district scheduled Tuesday’s special meeting late Sunday night.
Hal Wasson is currently in year one of a two-year contract and 121-25 overall 11 seasons. His Dragons also won a state title in 2011.According to WFAA’s Mike Leslie, the ISD is currently working on negotiating a buyout of his contract — which is expected to be completed between 24 to 72 hours.
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