School probe of alleged hazing nears end [MLive.com]

Friday, June 01, 2007
By Jane BosThe Grand Rapids Press


COOPERSVILLE -- Part of an investigation into alleged sexual abuse or hazing by members of the Coopersville High School junior varsity baseball team could wrap up as early as today.

Separate investigations were launched by Ottawa County sheriff's officials and school leaders last week after a 15-year-old player allegedly was attacked before practice in the boy's locker room May 18.

On Thursday, Coopersville Superintendent Kevin O'Neill met with High School Principal Ron Veldman and Dean of Students Jim Meerman -- the school's lead investigators -- to discuss how their probe was progressing.

Those findings could be released as soon as today or Monday.
"The investigation is not done yet, and we are not releasing anything until that happens," O'Neill said. "There are some loose ends that we need to tie up first. We need a full written report by (Meerman), and we need to communicate with the parents of the victim and the perpetrators before we release anything."

Meanwhile, sheriff's officials continue to review their criminal investigation with the county prosecutor.
A decision on whether to file charges is not expected until next week, authorities said.


Sources familiar with the investigation said the incident centers on alleged sexual abuse that includes penetration with an object and being slapped by body parts.


The preliminary investigation led to 10-day school suspensions for four of the team's 13 members, and the final week of their season was canceled.

The coach also resigned.
School officials have yet to decide whether anyone will be expelled.

A special one-person school board hearing -- most likely led by board President Tim Postma -- could happen as early as Monday. Students and their parents would be invited to respond to the findings, and the hearing could be closed to the public at their request.

Any recommendation from that hearing could go to the full board as early as its Monday meeting. If not, the next board meeting is June 18.
"The decision of whether or not there is room for expulsion will come with the report, and this will be the recommendation to the board," O'Neill said.

"We also want to make sure it does not happen again. If there is more we can do, then we want to do it."



Locker room changes

Changes already have been made to both the boys' and girls' locker rooms. The locker room doors can be opened for students only by coaches or the school's athletic director.
The students also are supervised while in the locker rooms.
With only the varsity softball team and four members of the boys' track team still competing, there is not much activity there after school.
"We do have some kids stay around after school and lift weights, and no one is unattended in there," said Athletic Director Steve Bennink. "If someone needs to get into the locker room, they need to find me or a coach to get in."
Send e-mail to the author: jbos@grpress.com

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