Chelan County Superior Court Judge Lesley Allan ruled today that former Wenatchee High School PE teacher and baseball coach Ed Knaggs’ termination order be reversed.

Knaggs was terminated in April 2012 following the drowning of student Antonio Reyes in Knaggs’ swimming class. An administrative hearing last March ruled that Knaggs’ termination be upheld. Last November, Knaggs’ and his legal team took their appeal to Chelan County Superior Court.

“The actions of the district and its administrators significantly contributed to creating a situation where a student could drown,” Allan said in her written decision.

The judge added that the hearing officer’s finding that Knaggs’ actions were “egregious” was an error. “Further, [Knaggs’] actions were found to be ‘unintentional’ and ‘likely a mistake or inadvertent,’” Allan’s decision said.

“Mr. Knaggs will be reinstated to his position,” Knaggs’ attorney Quentin Batjer said, adding that back pay and attorney fees will be included in his order, which has yet to be filed.

Batjer said that he believes the district has 30 days to appeal Allan’s ruling.

Wenatchee School District Superintendent Brian Flones and Director of Human Resources Lisa Turner were unavailable for comment this afternoon.

Knaggs was unavailable for comment this afternoon.

“We are of course mindful of the tragedy that gave rise to this case,” Batjer said, “and our thoughts are with the Reyes family.”

Look for full coverage on Judge Allan’s decision and Knaggs’ reinstatement in The Apple Leaf on Feb. 12.