Houle handed 2-year suspension

One of Utah's most successful high school coaches will not be allowed to coach or teach at any public high school, including charter schools, for at least two years.

Dave Houle, who amassed 68 state championships and seven national titles in five sports, had his educator license suspended for two years by the Utah State Office of Education last week. The recommendation to suspend the former Mountain View High School coach, who is a member of the National High School Hall of Fame, was made based on a recommendation from the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission.

The commission held a two-day hearing in November on allegations against Houle that included emotional abuse, religious discrimination, violating student confidentiality and encouraging students and others to harass female students. The suspension precludes Houle from teaching or working in any capacity at public schools.

Board member Tom Gregory made a motion that the state adopt the recommendation of the commission, with the addition that Houle is prohibited from working as a volunteer in any capacity in the athletic program of any public school, including a charter school.

Houle retired after a controversy involving two of his Mountain View girls basketball players, but was hired almost immediately by American Leadership Academy, a 2A charter school in Spanish Fork. He was hired as an assistant principal and to coach girls and boys cross country, girls and boys track, and girls basketball.

He was unable to coach or work at the school in any capacity this fall, however, due to health problems.

Houle is officially on paid administrative leave from American Leadership Academy while he recovers from medical problems. Losing his license, however, may not affect his employment at American Leadership Academy, because an educator's license isn't required to be an administrator at a charter school.

Gregory also stated that the board recommends that when reinstatement is considered, a thorough review should be conducted to make sure the conditions have been complied with.

The Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission investigates allegations of teacher misconduct. It sends complaints to the accused when evidence is strong enough to hold a hearing regarding the person's licensure. After conducting those hearings, the commission makes recommendations to the Utah State Board of Education.

The suspension takes effect from the date of official action by the board, which is Jan. 11, 2007.

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com