Suspended Assistant Superintendent of Manatee Schools Robert Gagnon is in court fighting for his job.

An Administrative hearing for Gagnon began Monday morning. Gagnon faces criminal charges in the case of former Manatee High School Assistant Football Coach and Parent Liaison, Rod Frazier.

Frazier is accused of touching students inappropriately, which includes texting students, calling them in class and meeting up with students after hours.

Gagnon, the former Manatee High School Principal and others are facing criminal charges for not properly reporting the allegations.

As a result, the school board suspended Gagnon without pay and recommended to terminate him.

Gagnon insists he knew nothing about all of the allegations and handled what he was told about.

While being questioned on the stand, Gagnon said, “The only thing I heard of or addressed was sitting in a golf cart.”

Gagnon said when teachers and staff complained about seeing Frazier take students for rides on his golf cart around the high school’s campus, he immediately asked Frazier to stop.

“I heard that and I responded to it,” said Gagnon. “I said if someone thinks this as inappropriate, you probably shouldn’t do it.”

Gagnon said he didn’t learn about the other more serious allegations until after he had left the school and taken the role as Interim Superintendent, and later Assistant Superintendent.

Gagnon said when investigators told him about the rumors about Frazier, he told them to go after him.

“I said pull on every string and bury him under the school if it leads you anywhere,” said Gagnon.

Gagnon said in no way was he trying to protect Frazier, who was coaching a top rated football team at the time.

Gagnon’s attorney said the whole thing is a witch hunt. Attorneys representing the school district said Gagnon failed to keep students safe.

More than 50-witnesses are expected to testify at the hearing. Among the many who have already testified, was Danielle Kaddatz.

Kaddatz, a former Manatee High School student said she transferred schools as a result of Frazier.

“An administrator, Mr. Frazier, was touching me and stuff,” said Kaddatz.  “After he got in trouble, he started getting me in trouble for things I had been getting away with the whole time I was there.” 

Kaddatz said at no time did she ever alert Gagnon about what was going on or any other teachers or staff at the school.

However, after transferring to a new school and after Gagnon had left the Manatee for his new role, Kaddatz wrote a letter to the school board about Frazier.  

This prompted a huge investigation and brought the whole situation out in the open. The hearing is expected to continue for a few days.

When it wraps up, Gagnon will not learn whether or not he’s keeping his job.

Administrative Law Judge Lynne Quimby-Pennock said she would issue a ruling at a later date. This hearing is meant to determine if Gagnon’s suspension and termination is approved.

If the judge supports the board's decision, then Gagnon will not return to the district.

If the judge rules in favor of Gagnon, then he would be entitled back pay. The future of his job is unknown.

Also involved, former district investigator Debra Horne, former staff attorney Scott Martin and former Manatee High assistant principals Matthew Kane and Gregg Faller.

Both Horne and Martin retired from the district. Like Gagnon, Kane and Faller, were suspended without pay.

Horne, Gagnon, Faller and Kane are facing felony charges of failure to report child abuse by the state.

Gagnon, Faller and Kane have also been charged with lying to police. Horne, has entered a pre-trial intervention program and if she successfully completes it, the charges against her will be dropped.

Criminal charges have not been filed against Martin.

Frazier has been charged with seven counts of misdemeanor battery and three counts of interfering with a student's attendance.

Gagnon, Faller and Kane are set to go to trial for the criminal charges on June 16. All have pleaded not guilty.