By Daniel Paulling
Chris Hastings, who is currently on unpaid administrative leave after being suspended from his position as athletic director at Gettysburg High, wrote to the Evening Sun in a letter to the editor that he will have a public hearing Monday to challenge superintendent Larry Redding’s recommendation of removing Hastings.
Here is the letter in its entirety.
Editor:
On Feb. 23, much to my surprise, I was escorted out the door of the Gettysburg High School where I had been employed as the athletic/activities director for a mere seven months, five months before the end of my contract.
The rationale for my quick departure lay in a suspension letter signed by Superintendent Larry Redding leveling numerous accusations toward me of incompetence and neglect of duties. Although there were no immoral, illegal or unethical charges against me, the manner in which this was handled has allowed rumors and gossip to flourish. I am writing to dispel those falsehoods.
I was stunned by this action and have remained perplexed at this direction taken against me on Feb. 23. In 20 years of employment, I have never been subjected to such a negative charge, nor been treated with such disregard for my service and value as a person.
I am saddened by the treatment I have received and the undeniable impact that this action will have on my ability to work in a career field that I am passionate about, and have experienced much success in with other districts.
While there are certainly areas that any new employee must learn, it is absolutely unreasonable to believe that I purposely neglected duties or functioned incompetently. I demonstrated no behavior to merit such dismissal.
I have requested a public hearing to challenge Mr. Redding’s recommendation for my termination. This hearing will be held Monday, March 26, at 6 p.m. at the Gettysburg Administrative Building, 900 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
My ultimate concern is to clear my reputation and refute false statements. I wish to avoid further hearsay and rumors. All school and community members are encouraged to attend. I desire that the process and conversation regarding my service at GASD as athletic/activities director be transparent rather than cloaked in secrecy.
I remain grateful for the time that I served the students and staff, coaches and families of Gettysburg.
P. Chris Hastings
Shippensburg
