Parents, coaches and boosters urge district to reverse new retiree sit‑out policy; booster alleges cover‑up at Ayala
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Summary
Public commenters told the board a newly enforced requirement that retirees wait 18 months before returning to volunteer or coach threatens local programs; separate testimony alleged misuse of booster funds at Ayala High School and retaliation against a parent who spoke up.
Several parents and community members told the board on March 20 that a district‑side change to the return‑to‑service timeline for retired employees is harming local athletic programs and must be reconsidered.
Theresa Yao, speaking for the Ayala High School girls varsity golf team, said her coach — identified as Coach Capps — was told he could not return after retirement despite previously following a 180‑day sit‑out practice. Yao said the coach had been told the district would enforce an 18‑month sit‑out period that had not been communicated earlier; she said the change cost the boys’ golf program its longtime coach and forced a different coach to fill in for the season. She asked the district to “reconsider and further investigate this policy,” saying the change could drive retirees to other districts.
Parent Shubhie Devine echoed the concern, saying community understanding was that a 180‑day sit‑out applied and that lengthening the period to 18 months would cause the district to lose experienced coaches. Student speaker Carmela Ang described Coach Capps’ regular presence and support for the girls’ program.
Teacher‑union representative Steven Frazier (ACT president) said the district’s retirees often provide mentorship and urged protecting that role. District staff referenced Human Resources in public comments; commenters said Dr. Akuna in HR had relayed the new enforcement but that it was not documented in written policy.
Separately, an Ayala parent and former booster member, Elsa Cabral, testified that the Ayala cross‑country boosters used a booster debit card to spend $9,000 on a trip to Alabama without district approval and that administration met with boosters to address the matter. Cabral alleged a cover‑up and said she resigned from the boosters; she also alleged misuse of timing equipment and CIF‑rule violations. District officials said they would follow up with site leadership and the parent requests.
Board members asked staff to follow up with site administrators on the coaching and booster complaints; Superintendent Enfield said staff would take the concerns to principals and continue communication with the families. No formal policy vote or change occurred at the meeting.