FRANKLIN FURNACE, Ohio (WSAZ) -- He's a principal loved by his students and credited with a lot of success. But, that's not stopping the Green School Board from getting rid of its high school principal. The reason for the oust remains a mystery to everyone--including the principal.

“Gut-wrenching,” said David Hopper.

That's how David Hopper felt after he found out the Green School Board wasn’t renewing his contract.

“I poured my heart and soul into this school improving grades and even scrubbing floors.

Hopper has been principal here at Green High School for six years developing quite a following.

“The number of fights have gone down,” said Brittney Lute, a senior at Green H.S.

“This school is so much better, fights are down and test scores are up,” said Adrian Mays, a senior at Green H.S.

“He’s not only improved the school, but also the community,” said April Hurst, a senior at Green H.S.

“My question is why and that hasn’t been answered yet,” said Dale Royse, a 28-year veteran teacher at Green H.S.

So far, the board has refused to give any answers. But, the word on the street is it has nothing to do with academics, but it's all about bad basketball.

“I had two losing seasons, but I don’t see it as a loss. We all got together and the boys grew over it,” said Hopper.

That’s right. Principal Hopper is also Coach Hopper. In a school where basketball is king, he has two losing seasons under his belt.

“It’s the rumor all over town that it was because of basketball and him losing because they put basketball first and academics second. He’s already proved himself as a principal,” said Delbert Dixon, a parent.

Even Superintendent Ron Lindsey couldn’t offer up much of an explanation except to say there may have been a communication problem. He acknowledged academics and discipline have improved and said while basketball wasn't the main issue for the board, it was a concern. In the meantime, students have staged a walk-out and a petition circulating the community all demanding answers.

We tried to call all five of the school board members and left messages where we could. So far, none of them have returned our call.