(MT. VERNON, IL) — A two hour special meeting of the Mt. Vernon Township High School Board of Education Wednesday afternoon was often animated from the view out in the hallway. However, when it was time to disperse, members of the board were tight-lipped, with many of them avoiding contact with the media and citizens awaiting any word that might come out of the session. The meeting, stemming from a recent decision to remove the athletic director position, currently held by Head Boys Basketball Coach Doug Creel, from the administration, was another demonstration of a board under duress from the comments in social media among citizens to the unease of the students and teachers at the school in regards to the popular long time coach. Superintendent Dr. Michael Smith was left to answer questions for the Board several minutes after adjournment. Smith indicated that the Board was still in the process of gathering information and would welcome public comment through the proper channels. He encouraged citizens to attend the meetings and to bring forth their concerns to the board members. He also indicated that there may be some misinformation and inaccurate information in the public forum that needs to be cleared up as he reiterated that nothing has yet to be confirmed regarding the athletic director position or Creel’s tenure within that position. When asked about the decision to hold the meetings at a time when most citizens are still at work, Smith indicated that it is not uncommon to meet at that time for special sessions and that he was responsible for setting the meeting time. A contingent of approximately 15 citizens awaited the timeframe, with most dispersing after the board members vacated the board room.