After weeks of public pressure and controversy, the West Branch Board of Education voted Wednesday night to reinstate longtime girls’ basketball coach Walt DeShields.

The board approved his return with a 3-0 vote. Board President Mikki Kanagy abstained, citing a personal connection to the situation — her daughter is a player on the team.

“She should never be put in this position because I serve on the board,” Kanagy said during the meeting. “It may be a convenient narrative for some of you, but it’s hurtful and entirely undeserved.”

Her husband, David Kanagy, also spoke during public comment, addressing accusations that her abstention was related to their daughter’s playing time.

“To all of you who said her mother is acting to not hire the coach because of her daughter's playing time… you're wrong,” he said.

Public testimony reflected deep divisions within the community. Some, like former West Branch Board President Earl Trimmer, criticized the school district’s handling of DeShields' initial dismissal.

“The public media release was an absolute classless act by the West Branch School District,” Trimmer said. “And I sincerely hope such an impulsive action will never take place again.”

Others defended DeShields’ record and leadership, saying he made a lasting impact on student-athletes beyond the court. Several speakers called for accountability from school officials instead.

DeShields did not speak publicly during the meeting and declined an on-camera interview. In a written statement, he said, in part, “There have been statements made that were hurtful personal attacks and will be very difficult to take back, but hopefully, with productive discussions and even forgiveness, our school, community, and team can find a way to move forward and come back even stronger.”

DeShields has coached at West Branch for 20 years, leading the girls’ basketball team to 379 wins, eight league titles, 17 sectional championships, seven district titles, and two regional titles.