Former Coach Pays Tulsa Public Schools To Settle Lawsuit

Former East Central High School football coach Travis Hill has settled a lawsuit filed against him by Tulsa Public Schools.

Hill left the district as an investigation was underway into athletic staff renting out school facilities and pocketing the money. Hill settled the lawsuit by paying the district $3,500. The agreement was approved by the Tulsa School Board Monday night after a judge approved it last month.

12/16/2011: Related Story: East Central Head Coach Travis Hill Resigns

Hill did not admit guilt in agreeing to the settlement and the district has dropped all outstanding claims against him. He also agreed to drop his claim of breach of settlement agreement against the district.

The investigation into the athletic department began in 2011. Athletic Director Stephanie Spring pleaded guilty in March of 2012 to federal charges of embezzling money from the school district. According to court documents, Spring rented out school facilities and kept the money herself, instead of depositing it in the school's general fund.

The judge sentenced her to seven months in prison, imposed a $10,000 fine and ordered her to pay more than $90,000 in restitution.

1/25/2012: Related Story: Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Director Stephanie Spring Resigns

Spring was the athletic director at the district for 14 years. She resigned in January 2012 after being suspended without pay in November 2011.