Prior to issuing a statement on Wednesday saying that girls' basketball coach Walt DeShields dismissal came as a result of "significant concerns" about DeShields judgement and "certain incidents raised by members of the community concerning DeShields judgement," the district's treasurer and superintendent told 21 News DeShields had never had any disciplinary issues, nor had his conduct ever been investigated. 

The statement issued Wednesday said DeShields was dismissed "after careful consideration of the feedback, as well as a thorough review of the situation, the West Branch Local School District remains committed to ensuring the well-being and success of all students, " and that the district is "committed to fostering an atmosphere where respect and accountability are paramount."

However, in an April 3rd response to a public records request from 21 News sent to superintendent Micki Egli, district treasurer Adam Fisher wrote the following: 

"Mrs. Egli forwarded it to me, since I am the one who takes care of public records requests.  As for your request about documentation for any disciplinary action against Mr. DeShields, there are no records to send you.  They do not exist.  He has never had any disciplinary action; he's never been placed on leave or had a letter of reprimand placed in his file; nor has he had any internal investigations into his conduct."

After receiving West Branch's statement on Wednesday, 21 News reached back out to both Fisher and Egli to ask for clarification as to how they could have "thoroughly reviewed the situation" if there had never been any investigation into DeShields conduct. That email made it clear we were seeking clarification and would be publishing a story on the discrepancy whether or not they replied, but that they'd be given an opportunity to clarify. 

After receiving an out of office reply from Fisher and no reply from Egli, 21 News called Egli's office Thursday afternoon and left a message. Those calls and emails have not been returned as of 4 p.m. Thursday. 

DeShields was abruptly let go as coach in early April without explanation despite having only one losing season in 19 years, as well as 17 Eastern Buckeye Conference championships and two state final four appearances. 

No action has been taken by the school board on his employment and an emergency meeting was suddenly called and canceled within hours last week to discuss his employment.