A Title IX investigation involving Anchor Bay football coach Mike Giannone could be concluded in the coming weeks, the superintendent said.

Giannone’s supporters urged school board members on Nov. 20 to reinstate the head coach and physical education teacher who was placed on administrative leave in mid-September amid the inquiry. District Superintendent Phil Jankowski said the investigations are typically completed within 60 to 90 days, and he estimated on Nov. 21 Giannone’s case would be resolved within that time period.

“We understand the frustration and impact that an investigation of this nature can have, particularly given the time it takes,” he said. “It is essential that Anchor Bay follows the due process outlined under federal law to ensure fairness for all parties involved.”

The coach’s absence is reportedly in response to Giannone trying to enforce a dress code after a female student’s clothing was too revealing for gym class, according to Rachel Schornak, former president of the Anchor Bay Sports Boosters.

“Our leader was unexpectedly taken from us after the third game of the season,” senior football player Gerry Hanson said at the school board meeting last week. “We were lost. Many players instantly became disappointed and discouraged. The whole entire atmosphere at practice had changed.”

Assistant head coach Bob Schroeder is leading the Tars in Giannone’s absence.

“The human toll on (Giannone) has been devastating,” Schroeder said.

“He’s our leader. He’s our expert coach who we miss. The players have been devastated by the loss, especially the seniors.”

Schroeder, along with others, urged the district to allow Giannone to attend this year’s football banquet on Dec. 3. But until the investigation is concluded, the coach cannot participate in any school events, the superintendent said.

Schroeder also stressed program activities take place year-round, not just during the fall football season, from team bonding activities to community service fundraisers.

“All this is guided, directed, fostered by the energy of our head football coach,” he said.

Parent Domenica Johnston said it is distressing to see the coach and teacher subjected to a prolonged process.

“His absence over the past few months has been deeply felt,” Johnston said.

“We must also consider the profound impact this situation has had on our student athletes. … It was heartbreaking to witness their dreams being stripped from them and see how affected they were by their mentor’s uncertainty,” she added. “It was devastating.”

Jankowski said staff members who are the subject of a Title IX complaint are always put on administrative leave since there are no educational rights involved. They are considered held harmless because they are paid while on leave.

He also said the district always uses outside counsel to investigate issues and make decisions.

“This is because we want there to be a neutral person and most internal people have connections to the staff side of the equation,” the superintendent said. “Otherwise, one side can claim we are protecting the other side or conducting a witch hunt.”

It’s not clear when he was placed on leave, which was first reported Sept. 20, just hours before the football team took the field against Eisenhower.

“Coach G was the final piece of the puzzle and he was taken from us,” Hanson said. “I’m not pointing any fingers or blaming the poor performance of our team on the school. I just know that the outcome of the season would have been much different if we had our leader.”

Anchor Bay faced eight playoff teams this season, ending the year with a 3-6 record.

“We can play with the best in the state,” Schroeder said. “This program really has advanced.”

Giannone has been at Anchor Bay since 2020, when he led the Tars to a MAC White co-championship, going 4-3 overall, then 7-3 in 2021 — the program’s highest win total since 2003.

He was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2018 and holds a 226-91 record as a head coach in 45 overall years of coaching, winning 14 conference titles and four state titles.

Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

“While we cannot comment in detail on the specifics of ongoing investigations, we want to acknowledge the resilience of our staff and students, as demonstrated by their improved season record,” the superintendent said. “We are also deeply grateful for the continued support and active involvement of our community in the district.”