SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Randy Burgess is recognized as a top-notch water polo coach - a solid teacher with 30 years in the Coronado Unified School District.
Burgess was placed on paid administrative leave last April after a former middle school student filed a complaint of molestation against Burgess.
No criminal charges ever filed and Burgess is suing to get his job back. Superior Court Judge Eddie Sturgeon summed it up:
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"We have a person's reputation in the community at stake here and the school district says we have to have a safe classroom," Judge Sturgeon said.
Burgess's attorney, Matthew Heron, argued that the superintendent was asked in a deposition.
"Does Mr. Burgess actually present any danger to the students at the school and he said, 'No,' three times," Heron said.
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Coronado Unified School District attorney Sam Sherman countered that it took proper action; removing him from the classroom as it does its own investigation.
"We understand that he ardently denies the allegations and we hope he's right. We hope this never happened," Sherman said.
Judge Sturgeon ruled the district is within its rights but warned them not to press on for too long.
"You gotta make a decision. This cannot go on," Judge Sturgeon said.
After court Burgess commented on the ongoing case saying he feels, "imprisoned in my community."
"It's been very, very difficult; knowing I'm innocent of this frivolous claim; knowing I could be in school with my students and peers. It's been devastating to me, my family, and friends," Burgess said.
