WESTBROOK – A Biddeford-based mediator and arbitrator will conduct an independent review of Westbrook’s athletic code of conduct policy.

Westbrook Superintendent of Schools Marc Gousse announced last week that John Alfano has been selected for the review, requested by Mayor Colleen Hilton following controversy that surrounded the lifting of suspensions of student athletes after an alleged incident of student drinking.

Gousse said Tuesday that he had already participated in an interview with Alfano as part of the review and that he would release details of the report as soon as it’s completed.

“Mr. Alfano will complete his review independent of my office, or any elected official, and issue his report and findings according to his own timeline,” Gousse said at a Westbrook School Committee meeting Dec. 11.

Gousse said last week that he believes the review will quell concerns that school officials interfered with the process.

“Although I am confident this review will confirm what did, or did not occur, it is important for everyone to know there is no hiding of the truth and no evasion on my part or this administration in providing information as may be otherwise alleged,” he said. “What there is right now is silence on our part to preserve the confidentiality and integrity of this review.”

After investigating a report of a party involving student athletes that occurred the weekend before Halloween, Westbrook Athletic Director Marc Sawyer suspended roughly two dozen athletes from their fall sports programs. However, on Nov. 8, after receiving information that skewed the initial decision, Sawyer, along with high school Principal Jon Ross, lifted the suspensions for all the athletes.

Due to the timing of when the student athletes were reinstated – the same day as a Westbrook High School playoff football game – school administrators have been accused of making the decision solely to allow members of the team to compete. However, Sawyer and Ross say that isn’t the case. Suspensions were also given, and then lifted, to students participating in soccer and track.