Washington's Plagman cleared by IBOEE

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Washington Principal Dr. Ralph Plagman confirmed Monday that a formal complaint filed to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners against him by a former Washington parent has been dismissed. Plagman was accused by Kathi Jensen of not properly handling parent complaints about Tony Lombardi, Wash's baseball coach and former football coach.

"What you say is true," Plagman said. "The complaint against me has been dropped. I was informed of that Friday."

Lombardi, who will step down from his baseball position at the end of the season, has been investigated by the IBOEE following a companion complaint filed last year by Jensen, who alleges her son and another Washington soccer player were verbally assaulted by Lombardi in the school gymnasium following an incident between them.

Jensen provided e-mails Monday from Darcy Lane, attorney/investigator for the IBOEE, that confirmed Lombardi's case will go forth to a formal hearing on a yet to be determined date. Lombardi could face discipline that includes firing or suspension or his teaching and coaching license.

"In case number 12-78 (Lombardi), the Board found probable cause and ordered the matter set for hearing," Lane wrote to Jensen in an e-mail Monday. "In case number 12-79 (Plagman), the Board moved to not pursue disciplinary action. You will receive correspondence from our office within about a week regarding these cases. Case 12-78 will now be set for hearing before an administrative law judge and you will be notified of the date of that hearing."

Lombardi did not return a text message Monday seeking comment. Plagman said he could not comment due to the confidentiality of the process.