Coach fired after bullying allegations

BROWARD, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida high school cheerleading coach has been fired after several alleged complaints of bullying.

Worried students and supporters appeared in front of the Broward County School Board on Tuesday to defend their cheerleading coach from the allegations. "I was there at the stands at every practice game and competition to know that bullying never occurred," said a student.

Cheerleading coach Melissa Prochilo from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was fired last Friday by the School Board over the phone. "It's been so sad for me, my family, the people that coach with me and the girls, and all we want to do it have our season," said Prochilo.

Since last year, Prochilo has faced allegations of taking money to put girls on the squad, forging field trip documents and bullying. "It's been extremely heartbreaking," said Prochilo.

Parents behind the allegations said Prochilo was the heart of the problem all along. "Our daughters did not get treated well at all," said a parent.

"You ask anyone in my school if these girls are being bullied, and not one girl will say yes," said coach supporter Jessi Lippman.

However, Kaila Tenary cheered for the school and said there was bullying. "I saw the bullying that was going on," said Tenary.

Prochilo was investigated, and the school board decided to terminate her.

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