Ayala High School community rallies against dismissal of coach Terrence Smith

The Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education convened on May 1, 2025, to address several pressing issues, with a significant focus on the recent dismissal of Ayala High School's head football coach, Terrence Smith. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from parents and students advocating for Coach Smith, highlighting the positive impact he had on the football program and the emotional well-being of the players.

The session began with a heartfelt acknowledgment from a speaker who expressed gratitude towards teachers and staff for their support during challenging times, particularly referencing a past incident on campus. This set a tone of appreciation for the district's efforts to support its educators and students.

Laura Silva, a parent of two children in the district, raised concerns regarding the abrupt removal of Coach Smith, who had been appointed just a few months prior. She emphasized the emotional turmoil the players had experienced under previous leadership and noted the renewed hope and morale that Coach Smith had instilled in the team. Silva criticized the district's decision-making process, suggesting that transparency could have been improved.

Andrew James Silva, a student athlete, echoed these sentiments, stating that Coach Smith had not only improved the team's performance but had also fostered a culture of accountability and respect. He argued that the decision to replace Coach Smith would disrupt the progress made and negatively affect the players' development.

Another student, Trevor Moser, shared his personal struggles during the previous season under different coaching staff, describing a hostile environment that affected his mental health. He praised Coach Smith for transforming the team's dynamics and urged the board to reconsider the decision to let him go, framing it as a loss of mentorship and support for the players.

The testimonies from parents and students underscored a community deeply invested in the football program and the well-being of its athletes. The board's decision regarding Coach Smith's position remains a critical topic, reflecting broader concerns about leadership and support within the district's athletic programs.

As the meeting concluded, the board members were left to consider the implications of their decisions on the students and the community, with calls for further dialogue and reflection on the future of the football program at Ayala High School.