The reported dismissal of American Canyon Middle School's athletic director has whipped up a storm of protest.

Teachers, coaches, parents, students and others packed the Napa Valley Unified School District board meeting room Thursday to protest the school district's reported decision to terminate the contract of Matt Stewart, 46, at the end of the school year.

Stewart, who said he would have become a tenured teacher next year after five years of teaching at American Canyon Middle School, said he was given no reason for his dismissal.

"It's just unjust," said Stewart Friday. "It's just wrong and I plan to fight it."

School officials declined to address the subject, saying they cannot discuss personnel matters in public.

At the meeting, a group of about 30 teachers gathered in Stewart's defense, offering praise and noting his contributions to the American Canyon community. The comments lasted about 45 minutes, and were full of emotion.

School board president Jose Hurtado said the board is looking into the matter.

"I will be talking to district staff about what occurred, as of today we're not sure what other steps to take, or even if we will," Hurtado said.

Rose Ann Gasser, American Canyon Middle School principal, declined to provide specifics about the matter. "This is a personnel matter and it's confidential and I cannot comment on it," Gasser said Friday.

Among those who spoke in support of Stewart at Thursday's meeting was Greg Wright, former American Canyon Middle School vice principal.

"He's a wonderful teacher and a wonderful role model for the students," Wright said of Stewart. "He just loves the kids."

Besides his regular teaching load, Stewart makes sure the athletic fields are ready, coordinates student transportation to events and raises money for the athletic programs.

The students will be the ones who will suffer from Stewart's departure, said Simone Moultak, a parent and school volunteer.

"It was quite a shock," Moultak said of the district's decision. "He's a tremendous asset to the school."

Beatriz Bockman, Parent Teacher Organization president, said parents are considering a sick-out day to keep kids at home in protest of the decision to let Stewart go. Parents will continue to press the board for a reconsideration, she also said.

"We hold the school board accountable for providing good teachers," she said.

Stewart is also an American Canyon Parks and Community Services commissioner.

Register staff writer Cristina De Leon-Menjivar contributed to this report.