District Is Investigating Kiernan’s Resignation

Michael Escalante, superintendent of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, said Wednesday the district has begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kevin Kiernan’s resignation Friday as coach of the county’s top-ranked girls’ basketball team.

Escalante said the examination would include a look at allegations made by Tim Schilling, parent of former player Stefanie Schilling, as well as the manner in which Troy principal Charles Maruca handled the situation. Stefanie Schilling quit days before the season began.

Kiernan’s resignation was so sudden, his wife and assistant coach, Christine Collins-Kiernan, went to Troy’s game Friday and was unaware her husband had quit.

Dr. Ken Stichter, an assistant superintendent, began the investigation on Tuesday.

“We have to be in a situation [where] we run programs that are above reproach,” Escalante said. “If there’s nothing to be feared, then allow the investigation to be completed. It’s not unusual to have allegations made against coaches, cheerleader advisors, [but] I thought it was very unusual for a coach to resign so hastily.

“Frequently, these types of issues are miscommunications. I don’t have any of the results of the conversations that Dr. Stichter had had, and since it’s a personnel issue, there are only certain kinds of things we can disclose.”

Kiernan said he resigned for “philosophical” differences with the administration.