Hanover County Public Schools give update on baseball program suspension

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Hanover County Public Schools investigation has found that its suspended high school baseball program needs to improve in three key areas after reports of misconduct last month. According to school division officials, these key areas include increased supervision, the communication of clear and reinforced expectations and the need for additional training. A third-party vendor, "A Better Way Athletics," will also provide training to coaches, administrators, parents and student-athletes. This comes after the school division announced on its website that all of Hanover High School’s varsity and junior varsity baseball activities would be suspended because of misconduct reports on Friday, Nov. 15. The suspension was reported as effective immediately, and the school said it would allow for investigations into the allegations. One Hanover High School parent, who wished to remain anonymous, told 8News, “I am deeply disturbed about what occurred at Hanover High School by members of the baseball team. We need to feel that our children are safe and respected in all Hanover activities." Another anonymous parent, whose child is on the team, said the key areas of improvement are dismissive and would like to know exactly who is being reprimanded for their misconduct.  They also feel the school cares more about the baseball program than the well-being of the students. 8News reached out to the school district on whether or how anyone was disciplined for the reported misconduct but was told the law prevents them from sharing any details about students and staff. The school district said off-season baseball activities are set to resume sometime after winter break.