Ayala cross country coach faces scrutiny over $9000 misuse of booster funds

During the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education meeting on March 20, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the conduct of the head coach of the Ayala High School cross country team. A speaker, who identified themselves as a former booster member, detailed allegations of financial misconduct involving the coach and the misuse of district funds.

The speaker reported that the head coach had spent $9,000 on a trip to Alabama using a boosters debit card, despite being instructed not to do so by the district. This expenditure was later submitted to the district office in hopes of being reimbursed, which did not occur. The speaker expressed concerns about a potential cover-up involving the boosters' president, suggesting that the administration had requested the withholding of information to prevent a scandal. The speaker characterized this situation as unethical and stated their resignation from the boosters in protest.

Additionally, the speaker claimed that the head coach had retaliated against their daughter for opposing the alleged cover-up and provided evidence to support this assertion. They also raised concerns about the handling of timing equipment purchased by the boosters, which was reportedly kept at the coach's residence rather than at the school, and suggested that the coach had profited from its use, violating California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules.

The speaker concluded their remarks by questioning how the head coach could effectively coach the team while also serving as the official timer at a recent track and field event, further emphasizing their concerns about integrity within the program.

Following this discussion, the board moved on to other agenda items, including the approval of the second interim financial report for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The board was asked to authorize the president and superintendent to sign a positive certification of the district's financial condition for the current and subsequent years.

The meeting highlighted ongoing issues within the district's athletic programs and raised questions about governance and accountability, which may prompt further investigation and discussion in future meetings.