A small town in Oregon is making headlines after its mayor and high school football coach, Rodney Cross, was cited by police for slapping a student during a conversation at Toledo High School.
The incident has sparked debate and concern among residents about leadership, accountability, and professional behavior in schools.
The Incident
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, 63-year-old Rodney Cross allegedly slapped a student inside the school gym on October 24, 2025.
The student did not suffer any physical injury but reported feeling embarrassed in front of classmates who witnessed the incident.
Detectives reviewed video footage of the event, which reportedly confirmed that Cross struck the student. Following the investigation, Cross was issued a criminal citation for harassment and is scheduled to appear in court on November 17, 2025.
Officials have not released further details about what led to the altercation or any disciplinary action taken by the school.
Cross’s Roles in the Community
Rodney Cross holds two important positions in the small community of Toledo, Oregon. He is both the Mayor of Toledo and a football coach at the local high school.
According to the school website, Cross works as a “community coach,” while the Oregon School Activities Association lists him as an assistant coach for the football team.
Below is a summary of his official roles and responsibilities:
| Position | Organization | Term or Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor | City of Toledo, Oregon | Serving since January 2025; term ends January 2027 |
| Football Coach | Toledo High School | Assistant coach, listed as community coach |
Cross has served as mayor since January 2025 and has been active in youth programs, often representing the town in local events.
Reaction from the Community
The issue was brought up during a Toledo City Council meeting on November 5, where City Manager Rich Huebner read a letter from Lisa Figueroa, a former city employee.
In her letter, Figueroa requested that the council consider placing Mayor Cross on leave and conduct an investigation to verify the allegations.
The letter claimed that Cross was cited and released and had been suspended from his coaching duties for the alleged incident. However, as of November 12, the Toledo School District has not confirmed any official suspension.
City Manager Huebner explained that under the city’s charter, council members cannot be placed on leave, which limits the city’s ability to take direct action against the mayor.
Council Members Speak Out
During the same meeting, Councilor Andrew Keating expressed concern and said he was surprised by the allegations. He suggested that the city council should discuss the issue further in a future meeting to maintain public confidence.
When asked about the incident, Mayor Cross declined to comment, saying, “I have no comment at this time.”
Council President Tracy Mix emphasized patience and fairness, reminding the public that a proper investigation is already underway. She added that it would be best to let law enforcement handle the matter rather than spend additional public money on another inquiry.
Mix also said, “I believe everybody deserves a day in court.”
Cross later told council members that he still had no comment and asked the community to give the situation time to unfold before drawing conclusions.
Ongoing Investigation
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case. No additional information has been shared about the student, any disciplinary actions at the school, or whether the city will take further steps against Cross.
Local media have reached out to the mayor, the city manager, and the sheriff’s office for additional comments, but no new responses have been received.
Summary of Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Location | Toledo High School Gym |
| Accused | Rodney Cross |
| Positions | Mayor of Toledo and Assistant Football Coach |
| Charge | Harassment (Criminal Citation) |
| Court Date | November 17, 2025 |
| Student Injury | None reported |
| Case Status | Investigation ongoing |
The incident involving Mayor and Coach Rodney Cross has placed Toledo under public scrutiny. While some residents support Cross and urge patience, others are calling for stronger accountability from local leaders.
The ongoing investigation will determine what really happened and whether disciplinary or legal actions will follow. For now, the small Oregon town awaits the court’s decision, hoping for a fair and transparent outcome that restores community trust.