Mercer Island High School head track coach Elliot Powell resigned last week following a Mercer Island School District investigation into alleged inappropriate personal conduct.

MISD Superintendent Gary Plano released the following statement to the Reporter on Tuesday, May 28: “The District received information on May 15, 2013, warranting an investigation of Mr. Powell for alleged inappropriate personal conduct. District administration placed Head Track Coach Elliot Powell on administrative leave from his head coach and other employment duties with the District on May 16, 2013. To insure student safety and to protect the integrity of the investigation, Mr. Powell was placed on leave until this investigation is concluded. Mr. Powell has resigned from positions he held with the District effective Thursday, May 23, 2013.”

No other information regarding the nature of the conduct was released by the district.

A letter was also sent home to parents of students on the track team on May 28 from MIHS Principal Vicki Puckett. The letter explained that the coach had been placed on administrative leave from coaching and other employment duties with the district. Powell was also a special education para-pro at Islander Middle School.

“To insure student safety and protect the integrity of the investigation, Mr. Powell will be on leave until this investigation is concluded,” state the letter sent to parents from the district. “We do not believe any further public comment regarding this situation is appropriate until the investigation is complete.”

Powell was placed on administrative leave as the track team competed in the SeaKing district competition which began May 15. Last week, as the season finished at the state competition, assistant coach Erica Hill took over head coaching duties.

It was Powell’s first season as head coach.