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Local coach urges board to change policy language that barred him from applying for coaching job
Summary
A Hampton resident and longtime youth coach, Jamie Vaughn, addressed the board during public comment to ask for changes to a school board policy he says prevents him from coaching because of an old mistake. He said HR has invited him to be a spokesperson on the issue.
Jamie Vaughn, a Hampton resident and coach, told the Hampton City School Board during the public-comment period on March 26 that a school board policy has blocked his attempt to coach in the district and asked the board to consider changing the policy’s wording.
Vaughn identified himself and his address and said he is “a 53 year old coach, and I have been coaching for over 20 years.” He said he applied for a coaching position in the district and received an unusual denial related to a past mistake from when he was younger. Vaughn said the wording of “19.2392 Hampton School Board policy” prevents him from being hired, and that he has discussed his case with the district’s human resources staff member Miss Ruth, who asked him to consider serving as a spokesperson to help change the policy’s wording.
“I'm here today to ask the board,” Vaughn said, describing his coaching history across the region and saying he is willing to tell his story to legislators because he and HR staff believe the policy’s wording is problematic. He said he has letters of support and could bring community members and his pastor to speak on his behalf.
The board’s public comment protocol, read by Miss Charbonneau before public remarks, limits speakers to three minutes and states that the board and superintendent will not respond publicly during the comment period; matters requiring a response will be directed to the superintendent for follow-up. Vaughn’s remarks were heard under that protocol; no board action on the policy was taken at the meeting.
Vaughn said he has coached players who later reached college, and that his work includes outreach such as jail ministries. He characterized the policy’s effect as a barrier that prevents him from “doing what I love.” He concluded his remarks by asking the board to consider changing the policy language and by agreeing to act as a spokesperson in advocacy around that change.
The board did not take action on the policy during the March 26 meeting; the public comment was recorded for the board’s consideration and the superintendent’s office may follow up, per the stated protocol.
