By Bruce Rolfe
The Climax-Scotts School District may have spent over $35,000 in attorney fees relating to the Tyler Langs investigation according to attorney invoices obtained by the Crescent through the Freedom of Information Act.
Langs, the C-S dean of students, athletic director and head varsity football coach, was placed on paid administrative leave for all three of the positions the week of October 20, 2025 for what the school district said through a statement was complaints regarding the current football coach.
An investigation was launched a short time after Langs was placed on paid administrative leave before the C-S School Board made a decision approximately 18 weeks later on February 24, 2026 not to retain Langs as the varsity football coach and athletic director.
The school district allowed Langs to return to the dean of students position February 17, 2026, however after the school board made its decision not to retain the 2006 C-S graduate as athletic director and varsity football coach February 24, he submitted his letter of resignation as the dean of students at the end of March.
The C-S School District responded to a FOIA request made by the Climax Crescent for attorney invoices that only related to the Tyler Langs investigation. The school district charged the Climax Crescent $70.98 to prepare and redact personal information from the invoices.
When the Crescent informed C-S Superintendent Doug Newington the attorney invoices the school district provided may have included other issues the school district used the attorney for that were not related to the Tyler Langs investigation, the school district provided the Crescent a revised set of invoices with redacted personal information.
The first set of attorney invoices totaled $43,713.50.
The revised set of attorney invoices the Crescent requested through FOIA that only related to the Tyler Langs investigation totaled $34,605.
The Crescent discovered two separate charges in the amount of $228 and $240 to prepare a response for two FOIA requests made by the Climax Crescent that were included in the first set of invoices. However those two invoices were redacted in the revised set of invoices.
Because the two FOIA requests were direct expenses tied to the Tyler Langs investigation, the Crescent added those two charges in to the revised total, increasing the total to $35,073.
Newington said lengthy conversations with the school district’s attorney occurred more then what was relevant to the situation when asked why the two FOIA charges for the attorney to prepare a response to the Crescent were left off.
While the FOIA request was for attorney invoices that only related to the Tyler Langs investigation, Newington felt there were invoices included in the revised set of invoices that were not related to the Tyler Langs investigation. He said he did his best to keep the amounts that were just for the Langs investigation, adding some conversations with the attorney covered more than the Langs investigation, making it difficult to separate them out. Newington adds he could have had the school district attorney review their time keeping system but said, “I have no desire to spend hundreds more.”
In a billing from The Thrun Law Firm PC dated November 20, 2025, the first noted billing for attorney services for the Tyler Langs issue was an item for a 1.70 hour phone conversation with Newington October 24, 2025 that cost $569.50. Another phone conversation with Newington for 0.30 hours Oct. 27, 2025 cost $100.50 for a total of $670.
Also included in the November 20, 2025 billing invoice was a charge of $2,268 on 10/29/2025 for 7.20 hours interviewing six sets of parents, continue scheduling additional interviews and prepare an investigation plan.
The largest charge in the December 18, 2025 billing from The Thrun Law Firm PC to the school district was a $2,268 charge for 7.20 hours to review policy and begin preparing a report.
There was one attorney invoice for services performed December 15, 2025, when a school board member was allowed to be part of the email exchange between the attorney and Newington.
Newington felt confident the communication with the school board member was prearranged, however the school district offered a longer response through Communications and Public Relations Director Heather Wechsler.
“The District’s legal counsel represents the Board of Education and the District as an organization. As is common in school governance, communications with legal counsel may involve district administration, Board leadership, or other individuals as appropriate depending on the subject matter,” the school district said in the prepared response.
One invoice from the January 29, 2026 billing from The Thrun Law Firm added up to $14,308.50.
Services in that billing cycle included $2,625 for 7.50 hours for an email exchange with Newington regarding personnel issues and for an attorney to attend a special school board meeting on January 12, 2026.
The February 26, 2026 billing cycle from The Thrun Law Firm PC, totaled $5,495 for mainly email exchanges with Newington and School Board President Sue Reichert.
The largest item entered for the March 26, 2026 billing from The Thrun Law Firm PC that totaled $1,622, was a charge for $1,225 for the school district’s attorney to attend the February 24 hearing when the school board voted not to retain Langs as athletic director and head varsity football coach.
Responding to how the district justifies the large amount of tax dollars that were spent for attorney costs associated with the Tyler Langs investigation, the school district responded in an email from Communications and Public Relations Director Heather Wechsler.
“The District has a responsibility to respond appropriately when concerns involving students or personnel are raised. Throughout this matter, we relied on legal counsel to help ensure our actions complied with applicable laws, Board policy, and established procedures. While legal services represent an expense, we believe obtaining appropriate legal guidance was necessary to protect the interests of our students, staff, and the District.”
Some felt the situation that led to large legal expense could have been avoided if the complaints were addressed after the season ended and a performance evaluation had taken place.
“When concerns involving students are brought to the District’s attention, we have an obligation to review them promptly. Decisions regarding personnel are made based on the information available at the time and with the best interests of students as the primary consideration. Delaying action simply because of the athletic calendar, would not have been consistent with that responsibility,” the school district said through an email statement from the school district’s Communications and Public Relations Director Heather Wechsler.
Others Filled Roles while Langs Was on Paid Administrative Leave; Background of Investigation
Langs was on paid administrative leave approximately 18 weeks while other staff members assumed the roles he held.
A statement from the C-S School District notes C-S Jr./Sr. High School Principal Brent Cole assumed many of the athletic director and dean of students responsibilities, with assistance from other members of the district’s administration team.
“We appreciate the flexibility and teamwork demonstrated by our staff during that time,” the district said through an email response.
When asked whether there was concern that placing more responsibilities on Cole could take time away he typically dedicated to his regular job as the Jr./Sr. High School principal and could lead to additional challenging situations, the district replied through an email: “While it required additional effort, we remained committed to ensuring that services and support for students continued without interruption.”
Langs was not on the sidelines for the final regular season game October 24 and for two playoff games.
His father, former longtime C-S varsity and hall of fame coach, Kevin Langs, stepped up from his assistant coaching position and coached the team in the regular season finale and two playoff games.
In a response from the C-S School District to a FOIA request made by the Crescent dated March 9, 2026, Newington said Langs’ compensation for dean of students for the 2025-2026 school year was $45,133.51; the salary for Langs as C-S varsity football coach for the 2025-2026 school year was $5,540.31; and the compensation for Langs as C-S athletic director for the 2025-2026 school year was $10,718.31.
Newington said Langs continued to be compensated as athletic director until he resigned.
In a response from the C-S School District to a FOIA request dated March 9, 2026, Newington said Interim Athletic Director Tim Bell was paid $83 a day.
Through an earlier Freedom Of Information Act request, C-S Superintendent of Schools Doug Newington said the school district contacted the school attorney, Thrun Law Firm, P.C., about any type of issue relating to C-S varsity football coach, Dean of Students and Athletic Director Tyler Langs on approximately October 21, 2025.
Newington adds through the FOIA request, on approximately October 21, 2025 the law firm referred the C-S School District to Thrun Law Firm attorney Erin Walz. He said the school district engaged in a conversation with Walz approximately October 28, 2025, which Newington said through the FOIA request was also the first time the school district discussed authorizing Walz to begin an investigation.
According to a document provided to Tyler Langs’ former attorney Brad Johnson from the school district’s law firm, Walz based her investigation on a summary of 41 pages of parent/community complaints. The document states Walz attempted to categorize the allegations to organize the investigation. There were common themes (verbal abuse of students, failure to communicate with parents) so Walz did not include every statement in every complaint to limit duplication.
The summary of complaint allegations also note more than 10 complaining parties either submitted their complaint anonymously (anonymous email addresses) or spoke to board members only on condition of anonymity – out of fear of Tyler Langs and the Langs family. There was no specific number of complaints from parties who either filed their complaint anonymously or spoke to board members only on condition of anonymity listed in the document - just more than 10.
Complaints and Dates in emails
The Climax Crescent received the complaints, that had personal information redacted, through FOIA. FOIA documents show there were two complaints reviewed by telephone conversations, 12 letter or email complaints from October 17 through Oct. 23, one undated email, one undated text, and one undated communication in a first set of complaints. There were seven additional email or letter complaints and statements from January 13 through January 26.
The C-S Board of Education carried a motion at the February 24 school board meeting not to retain Langs as the varsity football coach by a 5-1-1 margin (Jackie Longman voted no and Matt Birkam recused himself). The Board also voted by a 4-2-1 margin (Sue Reichert and Jackie Longman voted no and Matt Birkam recused himself) to non-renew Langs as athletic director the same night.
The Fallout Starts with Resignations
During and following the Tyler Langs investigation there were a number of resignations, mainly coaches, but two teachers as well.
Former Hall of Fame and head varsity football coach, Kevin Langs submitted a letter of resignation December 5, 2025. Langs was a career coordinator teacher, varsity baseball coach, assistant varsity football coach, strength and conditioning and power lifting coach at C-S.
Kevin Langs was hired in the C-S School District as a teacher and varsity football coach in 1999. He later became the athletic director and dean of students.
C-S girls varsity basketball coach and assistant softball coach Chip Paddock, head varsity softball coach Janae Gibson, Language Arts teacher, Jr. High coach and assistant varsity football coach Josh Vick, varsity volleyball coach Angela Gilbert and Varsity Cheerleader coach, and Jr./Sr. High School secretary Caitlin Tiller all submitted resignations from their positions following the investigation.
Some admitted the Tyler Langs investigation, how the process was handled, and frustration with the school board were influences in their decision to resign.
“The investigation and entire handling of the situation exposed a shift in cultural influence and standards that I can’t, in the goodness of my heart, be part of,” said Janae Gibson.
Vick, who was the C-S Jr./Sr. High Language Arts teacher, yearbook advisor and senior class advisor, has secured a teaching position as a Union City Middle School Language Arts teacher and was hired as the Union City girls varsity basketball coach. He said the investigation led to his decision to resign.
“The investigation has made us question the priorities of the district’s leaders. As a result, we no longer have confidence that our family (and others) who have disagreed with them will be treated fairly,” said Vick, who was a varsity football assistant coach, coached boys 8th grade and girls 7th grade basketball, coached the 5th/6th grade girls basketball team last fall and also coaches 12U softball in the Quad Cities League.
Tiller said she also made the difficult decision to resign from her job and coaching position because of all the events surrounding the Tyler Langs investigation and the process.
“The way the situation was handled created an environment I no longer felt comfortable being a part of. It wasn’t an easy decision because I truly loved working with the students and coaching. But I knew it was the right choice for me and my family,” said Tiller.
Newington was asked if the school board considered what the fallout and impact from the Tyler Langs investigation and decision by the school board not to retain him as football coach and athletic director could have when asked about the spike in resignations.
“We recognize that decisions involving personnel can be difficult and may affect members of our school community in different ways. While we regret that some individuals chose to leave the district, our responsibility has always been to act in what we believe is the best interest of students. We remain committed to rebuilding, strengthening relationships, and moving Climax-Scotts forward. We are grateful for the dedicated staff members and coaches who have stepped into leadership roles and are excited about the positive momentum we are seeing as we prepare for the upcoming school year,” the C-S School District said in an email response from the Communications and Public Relations Department.
The school district announced in a May 22 release that Justin Kirinovic was hired as the new varsity football coach. The school district announced in a May 29 release that Jeanelle Pontoni was hired as the new C-S Varsity volleyball coach. The C-S School District announced in a June 11 release that Shane Wesseldyk was hired as the district’s new athletic director and dean of students.
“Our focus today is on our students, our staff, and the future of Climax-Scotts Community Schools. We have welcomed outstanding new educators and coaches, are preparing for another successful school year, and continue to see our students thrive. While the past year has presented challenges, we believe our community is strongest when we work together in support of our children,” the C-S School District said in a response from the Communications and Public Relations Department.
Tyler Langs became co-head varsity football coach at C-S with his father, in 2021. He assumed the role as head coach in 2022.
Tyler was named athletic director and dean of students at C-S beginning with the 2021-22 school year.
The Climax-Scotts School District may have spent over $35,000 in attorney fees relating to the Tyler Langs investigation according to attorney invoices obtained by the Crescent through the Freedom of Information Act.
Langs, the C-S dean of students, athletic director and head varsity football coach, was placed on paid administrative leave for all three of the positions the week of October 20, 2025 for what the school district said through a statement was complaints regarding the current football coach.
An investigation was launched a short time after Langs was placed on paid administrative leave before the C-S School Board made a decision approximately 18 weeks later on February 24, 2026 not to retain Langs as the varsity football coach and athletic director.
The school district allowed Langs to return to the dean of students position February 17, 2026, however after the school board made its decision not to retain the 2006 C-S graduate as athletic director and varsity football coach February 24, he submitted his letter of resignation as the dean of students at the end of March.
The C-S School District responded to a FOIA request made by the Climax Crescent for attorney invoices that only related to the Tyler Langs investigation. The school district charged the Climax Crescent $70.98 to prepare and redact personal information from the invoices.
When the Crescent informed C-S Superintendent Doug Newington the attorney invoices the school district provided may have included other issues the school district used the attorney for that were not related to the Tyler Langs investigation, the school district provided the Crescent a revised set of invoices with redacted personal information.
The first set of attorney invoices totaled $43,713.50.
The revised set of attorney invoices the Crescent requested through FOIA that only related to the Tyler Langs investigation totaled $34,605.
The Crescent discovered two separate charges in the amount of $228 and $240 to prepare a response for two FOIA requests made by the Climax Crescent that were included in the first set of invoices. However those two invoices were redacted in the revised set of invoices.
Because the two FOIA requests were direct expenses tied to the Tyler Langs investigation, the Crescent added those two charges in to the revised total, increasing the total to $35,073.
Newington said lengthy conversations with the school district’s attorney occurred more then what was relevant to the situation when asked why the two FOIA charges for the attorney to prepare a response to the Crescent were left off.
While the FOIA request was for attorney invoices that only related to the Tyler Langs investigation, Newington felt there were invoices included in the revised set of invoices that were not related to the Tyler Langs investigation. He said he did his best to keep the amounts that were just for the Langs investigation, adding some conversations with the attorney covered more than the Langs investigation, making it difficult to separate them out. Newington adds he could have had the school district attorney review their time keeping system but said, “I have no desire to spend hundreds more.”
In a billing from The Thrun Law Firm PC dated November 20, 2025, the first noted billing for attorney services for the Tyler Langs issue was an item for a 1.70 hour phone conversation with Newington October 24, 2025 that cost $569.50. Another phone conversation with Newington for 0.30 hours Oct. 27, 2025 cost $100.50 for a total of $670.
Also included in the November 20, 2025 billing invoice was a charge of $2,268 on 10/29/2025 for 7.20 hours interviewing six sets of parents, continue scheduling additional interviews and prepare an investigation plan.
The largest charge in the December 18, 2025 billing from The Thrun Law Firm PC to the school district was a $2,268 charge for 7.20 hours to review policy and begin preparing a report.
There was one attorney invoice for services performed December 15, 2025, when a school board member was allowed to be part of the email exchange between the attorney and Newington.
Newington felt confident the communication with the school board member was prearranged, however the school district offered a longer response through Communications and Public Relations Director Heather Wechsler.
“The District’s legal counsel represents the Board of Education and the District as an organization. As is common in school governance, communications with legal counsel may involve district administration, Board leadership, or other individuals as appropriate depending on the subject matter,” the school district said in the prepared response.
One invoice from the January 29, 2026 billing from The Thrun Law Firm added up to $14,308.50.
Services in that billing cycle included $2,625 for 7.50 hours for an email exchange with Newington regarding personnel issues and for an attorney to attend a special school board meeting on January 12, 2026.
The February 26, 2026 billing cycle from The Thrun Law Firm PC, totaled $5,495 for mainly email exchanges with Newington and School Board President Sue Reichert.
The largest item entered for the March 26, 2026 billing from The Thrun Law Firm PC that totaled $1,622, was a charge for $1,225 for the school district’s attorney to attend the February 24 hearing when the school board voted not to retain Langs as athletic director and head varsity football coach.
Responding to how the district justifies the large amount of tax dollars that were spent for attorney costs associated with the Tyler Langs investigation, the school district responded in an email from Communications and Public Relations Director Heather Wechsler.
“The District has a responsibility to respond appropriately when concerns involving students or personnel are raised. Throughout this matter, we relied on legal counsel to help ensure our actions complied with applicable laws, Board policy, and established procedures. While legal services represent an expense, we believe obtaining appropriate legal guidance was necessary to protect the interests of our students, staff, and the District.”
Some felt the situation that led to large legal expense could have been avoided if the complaints were addressed after the season ended and a performance evaluation had taken place.
“When concerns involving students are brought to the District’s attention, we have an obligation to review them promptly. Decisions regarding personnel are made based on the information available at the time and with the best interests of students as the primary consideration. Delaying action simply because of the athletic calendar, would not have been consistent with that responsibility,” the school district said through an email statement from the school district’s Communications and Public Relations Director Heather Wechsler.
Others Filled Roles while Langs Was on Paid Administrative Leave; Background of Investigation
Langs was on paid administrative leave approximately 18 weeks while other staff members assumed the roles he held.
A statement from the C-S School District notes C-S Jr./Sr. High School Principal Brent Cole assumed many of the athletic director and dean of students responsibilities, with assistance from other members of the district’s administration team.
“We appreciate the flexibility and teamwork demonstrated by our staff during that time,” the district said through an email response.
When asked whether there was concern that placing more responsibilities on Cole could take time away he typically dedicated to his regular job as the Jr./Sr. High School principal and could lead to additional challenging situations, the district replied through an email: “While it required additional effort, we remained committed to ensuring that services and support for students continued without interruption.”
Langs was not on the sidelines for the final regular season game October 24 and for two playoff games.
His father, former longtime C-S varsity and hall of fame coach, Kevin Langs, stepped up from his assistant coaching position and coached the team in the regular season finale and two playoff games.
In a response from the C-S School District to a FOIA request made by the Crescent dated March 9, 2026, Newington said Langs’ compensation for dean of students for the 2025-2026 school year was $45,133.51; the salary for Langs as C-S varsity football coach for the 2025-2026 school year was $5,540.31; and the compensation for Langs as C-S athletic director for the 2025-2026 school year was $10,718.31.
Newington said Langs continued to be compensated as athletic director until he resigned.
In a response from the C-S School District to a FOIA request dated March 9, 2026, Newington said Interim Athletic Director Tim Bell was paid $83 a day.
Through an earlier Freedom Of Information Act request, C-S Superintendent of Schools Doug Newington said the school district contacted the school attorney, Thrun Law Firm, P.C., about any type of issue relating to C-S varsity football coach, Dean of Students and Athletic Director Tyler Langs on approximately October 21, 2025.
Newington adds through the FOIA request, on approximately October 21, 2025 the law firm referred the C-S School District to Thrun Law Firm attorney Erin Walz. He said the school district engaged in a conversation with Walz approximately October 28, 2025, which Newington said through the FOIA request was also the first time the school district discussed authorizing Walz to begin an investigation.
According to a document provided to Tyler Langs’ former attorney Brad Johnson from the school district’s law firm, Walz based her investigation on a summary of 41 pages of parent/community complaints. The document states Walz attempted to categorize the allegations to organize the investigation. There were common themes (verbal abuse of students, failure to communicate with parents) so Walz did not include every statement in every complaint to limit duplication.
The summary of complaint allegations also note more than 10 complaining parties either submitted their complaint anonymously (anonymous email addresses) or spoke to board members only on condition of anonymity – out of fear of Tyler Langs and the Langs family. There was no specific number of complaints from parties who either filed their complaint anonymously or spoke to board members only on condition of anonymity listed in the document - just more than 10.
Complaints and Dates in emails
The Climax Crescent received the complaints, that had personal information redacted, through FOIA. FOIA documents show there were two complaints reviewed by telephone conversations, 12 letter or email complaints from October 17 through Oct. 23, one undated email, one undated text, and one undated communication in a first set of complaints. There were seven additional email or letter complaints and statements from January 13 through January 26.
The C-S Board of Education carried a motion at the February 24 school board meeting not to retain Langs as the varsity football coach by a 5-1-1 margin (Jackie Longman voted no and Matt Birkam recused himself). The Board also voted by a 4-2-1 margin (Sue Reichert and Jackie Longman voted no and Matt Birkam recused himself) to non-renew Langs as athletic director the same night.
The Fallout Starts with Resignations
During and following the Tyler Langs investigation there were a number of resignations, mainly coaches, but two teachers as well.
Former Hall of Fame and head varsity football coach, Kevin Langs submitted a letter of resignation December 5, 2025. Langs was a career coordinator teacher, varsity baseball coach, assistant varsity football coach, strength and conditioning and power lifting coach at C-S.
Kevin Langs was hired in the C-S School District as a teacher and varsity football coach in 1999. He later became the athletic director and dean of students.
C-S girls varsity basketball coach and assistant softball coach Chip Paddock, head varsity softball coach Janae Gibson, Language Arts teacher, Jr. High coach and assistant varsity football coach Josh Vick, varsity volleyball coach Angela Gilbert and Varsity Cheerleader coach, and Jr./Sr. High School secretary Caitlin Tiller all submitted resignations from their positions following the investigation.
Some admitted the Tyler Langs investigation, how the process was handled, and frustration with the school board were influences in their decision to resign.
“The investigation and entire handling of the situation exposed a shift in cultural influence and standards that I can’t, in the goodness of my heart, be part of,” said Janae Gibson.
Vick, who was the C-S Jr./Sr. High Language Arts teacher, yearbook advisor and senior class advisor, has secured a teaching position as a Union City Middle School Language Arts teacher and was hired as the Union City girls varsity basketball coach. He said the investigation led to his decision to resign.
“The investigation has made us question the priorities of the district’s leaders. As a result, we no longer have confidence that our family (and others) who have disagreed with them will be treated fairly,” said Vick, who was a varsity football assistant coach, coached boys 8th grade and girls 7th grade basketball, coached the 5th/6th grade girls basketball team last fall and also coaches 12U softball in the Quad Cities League.
Tiller said she also made the difficult decision to resign from her job and coaching position because of all the events surrounding the Tyler Langs investigation and the process.
“The way the situation was handled created an environment I no longer felt comfortable being a part of. It wasn’t an easy decision because I truly loved working with the students and coaching. But I knew it was the right choice for me and my family,” said Tiller.
Newington was asked if the school board considered what the fallout and impact from the Tyler Langs investigation and decision by the school board not to retain him as football coach and athletic director could have when asked about the spike in resignations.
“We recognize that decisions involving personnel can be difficult and may affect members of our school community in different ways. While we regret that some individuals chose to leave the district, our responsibility has always been to act in what we believe is the best interest of students. We remain committed to rebuilding, strengthening relationships, and moving Climax-Scotts forward. We are grateful for the dedicated staff members and coaches who have stepped into leadership roles and are excited about the positive momentum we are seeing as we prepare for the upcoming school year,” the C-S School District said in an email response from the Communications and Public Relations Department.
The school district announced in a May 22 release that Justin Kirinovic was hired as the new varsity football coach. The school district announced in a May 29 release that Jeanelle Pontoni was hired as the new C-S Varsity volleyball coach. The C-S School District announced in a June 11 release that Shane Wesseldyk was hired as the district’s new athletic director and dean of students.
“Our focus today is on our students, our staff, and the future of Climax-Scotts Community Schools. We have welcomed outstanding new educators and coaches, are preparing for another successful school year, and continue to see our students thrive. While the past year has presented challenges, we believe our community is strongest when we work together in support of our children,” the C-S School District said in a response from the Communications and Public Relations Department.
Tyler Langs became co-head varsity football coach at C-S with his father, in 2021. He assumed the role as head coach in 2022.
Tyler was named athletic director and dean of students at C-S beginning with the 2021-22 school year.
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