Multiple coaches and teachers at El Camino Real Charter High School have been placed on administrative leave as an investigation into the validity of CPR and first-aid certifications unfolds, intensifying recent turmoil within the school's athletic department. Parents confirmed that several coaches, including decorated baseball coach Josh Lienhard, were escorted off campus on Thursday.
Lienhard has led El Camino Real to five City Section championships. Interim executive director Emilie Larew confirmed the investigation to the Los Angeles Times but declined to comment on specifics, citing the pending nature of the inquiry.
The school referred the matter to a third party after questions arose regarding the authenticity of CPR and first-aid certification cards, which did not appear in a Red Cross database. These certifications had previously been approved by the school's athletic director. A source indicated to the Times that the coaches had completed an online course utilized by other schools.
Some observers have questioned whether the certification issue is the sole focus of the investigation, suggesting that placing multiple staff members on leave and escorting them off campus appears disproportionate if the matter is solely related to an administrative error with an online course or database discrepancies. Social media commentary has echoed this sentiment, with some suggesting it's a "weekend fixable issue" and that "it's gotta [be] more than CPR cards."
The school has not publicly detailed the scope of the investigation, leaving parents and supporters to speculate about potential broader concerns beyond administrative missteps.
Others have cautioned against downplaying the situation, noting that CPR certification is a fundamental safety requirement for coaches responsible for student-athletes, especially in situations where athletic trainers may not always be present. This raises further questions about how improper certifications were initially approved and who was responsible for their verification.
This latest investigation occurs during a period of significant leadership changes at El Camino Real. Executive director David Hussey and assistant principal Jason Camp, who oversaw athletics, were removed over the summer. During the tenure of board chairman Brad Wright, the school has also seen changes in its football, boys and girls basketball, tennis, and softball coaching positions, along with the athletic director role.
Wright informed the Times that he was unaware of which specific coaches were under investigation. The athletic director, Richard Russell, did not respond to requests for comment.
Coaches who also hold teaching positions are expected to receive support from United Teachers Los Angeles representatives.
Parents and student-athletes are awaiting news on the potential reinstatement of the coaches. The ongoing investigation adds another layer of uncertainty to a school already grappling with substantial leadership turnover, with the response fueling speculation about underlying issues beyond disputed CPR cards.