The Little Miami Local Schools (in Hamilton Township, Warren County, Ohio) athletic director, Matt Louis, filed a complaint with the district’s human resources department alleging harassment, intimidation, and bullying by School Board President David Wallace.
What Happened
The incident took place in January 2026 after a high school basketball game. Louis was picking up chairs when Wallace approached him. According to Louis’s complaint (filed two days later), Wallace said something along the lines of “You need to end it,” grabbed his arm, and pointed a finger in his face. Louis described the encounter as creating a “hostile and unsafe workplace.”
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WCPO 9 obtained records detailing an investigation into an altercation between Little Miami’s athletic director and its school board president at a basketball game in January.
The AD said the incident made him feel “harassed” and bullied” – while the board president said the complaint against him was made in “bad faith.”
Background Context
The confrontation stemmed from a social media rumor that the district might withdraw from the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). Louis has publicly opposed leaving the OHSAA, while Wallace supports staying in it. Wallace apparently believed Louis was spreading the rumor and confronted him about it.
Investigation Outcome
The district investigated the matter, including reviewing video of the interaction. Key findings:
• The encounter was described as tense but not threatening.
• Wallace acknowledged touching Louis’s arm but characterized it as friendly.
• Investigators determined that Louis was not the source of the rumor.
• Conclusion: No violation of board policy occurred.
The investigation was finalized in the past week (as of March 25–26, 2026).
Responses from Involved Parties
• Matt Louis stood by his complaint in a text to WCPO but otherwise declined further comment. He reportedly told investigators he believed the incident played a role in his contract not being renewed in January.
• David Wallace declined an interview but emailed WCPO stating that Louis’s account was only one side of the story. He called the complaint “bizarre” and filed in “bad faith.” Wallace also filed his own complaint.
• A district spokesman confirmed the investigation and said additional records would be released.
Broader Context in the District
This incident occurs amid ongoing tensions in the Little Miami school district:
• Heated board meetings over the removal of a classroom poster reading “Hate Has No Home Here” that included rainbow and transgender pride flags (voted 4-1 to remove in February 2026, citing Ohio House Bill 8 and parental notification rules).
• A board member (Dan Smith) resigned in March 2026 after old social media posts denying the Holocaust and praising Hitler surfaced.
• Recent special meetings have involved procedural clashes and public outbursts.
The board is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, at 6 p.m., where the investigation could potentially be discussed in executive session.
This story was first widely reported by WCPO 9 (Cincinnati) on March 25, 2026, based on public records obtained from the district.
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