Kyle Rusk, an Asbury High School boys' basketball coach and math teacher, has been fired following an investigation into allegations of student grooming.
Rusk was first accused of having an “inappropriate” student relationship in November 2025. An official report was made to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 17, 2025. Although the police did not find cause to press charges, the school district continued to probe for potential ethical violations while Rusk was placed on administrative leave.
Marshall County Schools superintendent Cindy Wigley issued the following statement about the investigation:
“I, along with the Marshall County Board of Education, referred this case to the Alabama State Department of Education to consider facts and decide further action as appropriate. The State has taken action and the Marshall County Board of Education has terminated the teacher/coach.
When I was first notified of the incident in December, I immediately placed the Coach on leave and reported the incident to the State Superintendent, as required by law. I also ensured a DHR report was properly made.
I personally appreciate the Sheriff conducting a criminal investigation. I also realize the limits and guidelines of state statutes and judicial precedent for criminal charges. However, this matter also involved additional considerations under the authority of the Alabama State Department of Education, including the Alabama Educator Code of Ethics and standards of ethical professional conduct required to hold a valid teacher certificate.
The Alabama State Department of Education has begun the process of revoking the teacher’s teaching certificate. Educators are held to a higher standard and are expected to uphold the professional and ethical responsibilities entrusted to those who serve students.
We will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students.
Multiple lines of evidence were reviewed, not just one isolated incident. The review process included the totality of the information available in determining appropriate action and accountability.”
Tabatha Ward, the mother of the unnamed student, took to Facebook on Thursday night to post about the issue, claiming that Asbury’s principal, Clay Webber, failed to report the grooming claims for 30 days and allegedly falsified a legal document with DHR.
“Dr. Webber waited 30 days to notify the Sheriff's office, DHR, and the Marshall County Board of Education office,” Ward alleged. “Due to this, my child remained around Kyle Rusk while not knowing his intent for an additional 30 days.”
She continued, “I wanna make it very clear, my child in no shape, form or fashion engaged in anything inappropriate with Kyle Rusk. The investigation by the Sheriff's office, the District Attorney's office, DHR, the Marshall County Board of Education, and the State Dept of Education confirms this. My family has finally gotten half the justice we deserve, and I’m confident that Dr. Webber will be held accountable for not taking the situation serious, not reporting properly per the code of ethics protocol, and for the lies that he included in his report once he finally report it.”
Ward’s claims match a statement Wigley released in January, which Webber said was “misleading.”
"Rumors are not the same as substantiated complaints or allegations.” Webber said in a statement at the time. “I received a substantiated complaint/allegation on December 17th, 2025. A formal report was filed immediately at that time, in accordance with policy and legal requirements, and the appropriate district/external authorities were notified. Once the Sheriff's Department became involved, the investigation proceeded independently of the school, and Asbury High School cooperated fully at every stage. Asbury High School remains committed to transparency, due process, and maintaining the trust of our students, families, and community."
On Friday, Webber told 1819 News he was left out of the loop regarding Rusk's termination.
"I was given no communication regarding the decision to non-renew the non-tenured coach/teacher," Webber said. "The superintendent and Marshall County Board of Education made that decision. As the principal, I was unaware that this employee would be terminated without my input or knowledge until I saw the board minutes."
Webber edged out Wigley in a recent Republican primary election for the superintendent's position, though neither received more than 50% of the vote. The runoff is scheduled for June 9.
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