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Campbell community demands review after abrupt coach terminations; superintendent says investigation under way
Summary
Multiple Campbell High School alumni, parents and students told the Cobb County board they were blindsided by the dismissal of two long-serving coaches and asked the district to reinstate them or conduct a thorough investigation. Superintendent said he has initiated a review that is now an investigation.
At the March 20 Cobb County School District board meeting, several alumni, parents and students addressed the board to protest the recent termination of two longtime Campbell High School coaches and to request reinstatement or a transparent investigation.
Why it matters: Commenters said the coaches had decades of service to Campbell and surrounding schools, and that abrupt dismissals harmed students and the community. Speakers delivered petitions and said thousands of supporters want a full review of the decision-making and reinstatement where appropriate.
Multiple speakers described the coaches as mentors who kept students engaged and supported. James Gwynn (alumnus) said the coaches were "blindsided" and that he and others have gathered more than 3,600 petition signatures asking for a thorough investigation. "We stand here today with the support of parents, students, alumni, and over 3,600 petition signers insisting on justice," he told the board.
Justin Gwynn said his family has deep ties to the school and described the coaches as the "glue" of the Campbell community, adding they had dedicated more than 30 years to the district. Miranda McClure, who identified herself as the coach’s daughter and a former player, said the men "bleed blue" and called the way the terminations were handled "disgraceful." Several speakers said the athletic director, identified in comments as Thigpen, handled meetings about the dismissals in the coaches’ absence and that families and staff were not given an opportunity for in-person explanations.
Superintendent Mr. Bridal said he had "rarely seen the amount of love and support for a coach" as he heard that night and that he immediately initiated a review when he learned how the dismissals were handled. "That review has now resulted in an investigation. I will report on that investigation at its conclusion, along with any actions we will be taking," Bridal said.
What commenters requested: reinstatement of the coaches where appropriate, a thorough and transparent investigation into the process and communication surrounding the dismissals, and restoration of dignity for the affected staff. Several speakers asked the board to provide an independent or external review and to share findings with the public.
Ending: The superintendent said the investigation is ongoing and that he will return to the board with findings and any recommended actions; no personnel reversals or formal board votes on these specific dismissals were recorded during the meeting.
