Walpole School Committee, Superintendent Support WHS Principal’s Decision to Dismiss Coach Bilodeau

Just days after news surfaced of coach Stacy Bilodeau’s departure from the Walpole High School girls’ basketball program, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lincoln Lynch has released a statement to “correct certain inaccuracies” regarding the situation.

“The Walpole Public School District’s former girls’ varsity basketball coach, Stacy Bilodeau, has made public statements regarding her non-reappointment to that position,” the statement read. “There also has been public speculation surrounding the decision.

“Due to concerns for the confidentiality of both students and employees, the School District does not comment publicly on the specific reasons for any of its personnel decisions. In this matter, there is a need to correct certain inaccuracies and state the school district’s position.

“Walpole High School principal Stephen Imbusch provided Ms. Bilodeau with the reasons for her non-reappointment in a face-to-face meeting last week. The issues behind the decision had been brought to her attention several times over the few past years.

“The Walpole School Committee and Superintendent Dr. Lynch, fully support principal Imbusch’s decision.”

The Boston Herald reported Bilodeau was informed Tuesday “her services were no longer needed” as head coach of the girls’ basketball team. Bilodeau told the Herald’s Dan Ventura the decision was made by WHS principal Stephen Imbusch, who told the newspaper “it was a personnel decision.”

He declined further comment.

Bilodeau, who coached the Lady Rebels for 11 seasons, was a WHS standout from 1991-94. After returning to Walpole and taking over the program in 2002, Bilodeau won a Div. 2 state title in 2004.

The Rebels finished last season with a 13-8 record, losing to Bishop Feehan, 71-56 in the Div. 2 South Sectional State Tournament. Bilodeau told the Herald she was “in shock” following Tuesday’s news and is weighing her options.

"I am thinking about fighting this," Bilodeau told the Herald. "It's a shame when some people have the power to go behind the scenes and do this."

To read the Boston Herald’s story in its entirety, click here.