Bullitt Central teacher sidelined as coach after drunken golf scramble

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Bullitt Central High School teacher and coach is accused of getting drunk and being belligerent at a school fundraiser.

WDRB uncovered a district investigation into the behavior of Jessie Curry. The special education teacher is no longer allowed to remain in his role as head boys basketball coach and boys golf coach at Bullitt Central. He resigned from those roles.

Evidence including personnel files and letters to school officials shows Curry drank five beers, eight shots and a half bottle of liquor while playing in a golf scramble.

The event was held for adults at the Heritage Hill Golf Club in Shepherdsville in October. Profits from alcohol sales benefited the cheerleading team. Documents show alcohol being sold for $1 a shot at the event. The investigative report says, "There is no evidence Booster Club funds were used to purchase alcohol."

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Bullitt Central's Principal Erik Huber wrote a letter to the Superintendent saying, Curry "became increasingly intoxicated and displayed belligerent behavior at the event."

Bullitt County Public Schools attorney Eric Farris says some details about Curry can't be released because it's a personnel issue. But he says, "Anyone who participates in this type of activity in a public manner and is affiliated with the school district is still held to a certain standard of behavior."

Farris says, "The selling of alcohol or shots would be prohibited and it would be contrary to board policy as well." The investigative report says, "This donated alcohol was intended to be used as part of a game of chance requiring skill. This practice falls within Redbook rules governing booster clubs. However, selling alcohol by the shot is NOT within acceptable Redbook rules."

Huber says Curry jumped in someone else's golf cart, parked it, then ran across the course, giving the golf cart owner the middle finger. Documents show Curry "became loud again screaming across the golf course at another team that included the cheerleading coach, James Moore, that they were {homophobic slur}."

Farris says, "Mr. Curry has been very forthcoming, has been very sorry for his behavior and concerned about the effect of that behavior."

School officials say at the golf scramble, Curry then vomited on himself in the golf cart, and the assistant athletic director took Curry home in the back of his pickup truck.

Some parents contacted WDRB concerned that Curry is still teaching at the school. Farris says, "Well, we understand that he's a good teacher. He's a young teacher." District officials say with district guidance and Superintendent support, Curry can be successful at the school.

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"I think a lot of people say things they don't mean, when they are under the influence, and that's the problem with not watching your behavior when you're out in a public place," Farris says.

Because it was a school-sanctioned event, the principal recommended that Curry resign immediately as the head boys basketball and golf coach, and he did. Huber also recommended that Curry attend an alcohol abuse course, and issue letters of apology to the golf course, parents and the team involved in the incidents.

The district has no record that those letters were written.

Farris says Curry is extremely well-liked, and there were a lot of disappointed parents and youth after he resigned from coaching.

Bullitt Central has been making headlines, as Kentucky State Police investigate thousands of dollars in missing funds from the Booster Club.

A teacher was also recently arrested and fired for making threats. Now, WDRB has learned Principal Huber is on a two-day suspension. The district says it's for accidental breach of student confidentiality.

"A lot of things happen at the same time," Farris said. "It gives the impression things are out of control. That's certainly not the case."

The district says Curry isn't commenting. Curry also hasn't responded to our request for comment. The Golf Club also isn't commenting.

The district is making changes to how the Booster Club is run.

"The Superintendent announced the formation of a committee to review and make recommendations related to Booster Club fundraising activities and guidelines," Farris said. "It will consist of all stakeholders from parents, to athletic staff to a Board Member (our Board Chair, Debby Atherton). The committee will be chaired by the Director of Finance, Lisa Lewis."