NORTHFIELD — Pioneer Valley Regional School Athletic Director Gina Johnson was let go from her position as the athletic director Monday.

Superintendent Jonathan Scagel said that “as a matter of law” he is unable to elaborate on personnel decisions.

“The position has been posted, and a search committee will be appointed for the purpose of finding the most qualified and suitable person to fill the position,” Scagel said Wednesday.

Johnson said she received a letter notifying her of the decision to let her go from the athletic director position on Monday. She held two positions at Pioneer as the athletic director and full-time physical education teacher.

“I am still a full-time P.E. teacher,” Johnson said Wednesday.

According to Johnson, she was advised by Terry Coles, a lawyer assigned through the teacher’s union, not to comment further on the matter at this time.

In response to rumors that Scagel fired Johnson to give the job to a friend who is also an athletic director, Scagel said, “I assure you that they are completely and categorically false.”

In August, alterations were made to Johnson’s position, following the retirement of physical education teacher Barbara Killeen. Killeen retired at the end of last school year, leaving Johnson to serve as both the athletic director and the only physical education teacher for Pioneer’s 2019 to 2020 school year. Johnson agreed to teach more gym classes than she has in the past, on top her athletic director responsibilities.

Other messages to the Recorder stated that a peaceful protest of Johnson’s firing is planned for Thursday at 7:30 a.m. outside of Pioneer Valley Regional School.

Zack DeLuca can be reached zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.

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