Residents urge Granville board to reinstate South Granville coach, say appeal process was unfair

Dozens of community members told the Granville County Schools board Tuesday they want the district to reverse a personnel decision affecting the South Granville High School boys basketball coach, saying the review and scoring process was unfair and hurt students.

Speakers during the public-comment period described the coach, identified in comments as Jake Woelfel, as a community leader and fundraiser who has supported players and families. “He is the most qualified candidate in this state for that job,” said Todd Curran, a public speaker at the meeting, urging the board to “set aside any personal agendas” and objectively review the coach’s appeal. “Please ... don’t rubber stamp this,” Curran said.

Several people described community fallout after the district’s personnel decision. “By pushing it to June, you’re hurting the student athletes,” said Mark Newton, who said the timing damages players’ opportunities for summer play and recruiting. Joel Wolfile and others recounted the coach’s fundraising and live-streaming efforts for games and graduations. “He has raised a half a million dollars for the boys’ basketball program,” Joel Wolfile said.

Multiple speakers warned of consequences if the coach is not reinstated, including potential player departures and damage to the program. Sierra Glanton said players’ recruitment windows are active and the delay is already affecting them.

District officials and board members said the school administration and central office will follow established procedures; board members also reminded the public about the boundary between public comment and personnel processes. No formal personnel action was taken during the open session; commenters said the coach’s appeal would be heard in a forthcoming process.

The board did not vote on the matter during the meeting; several speakers said they expect the board to consider the coach’s evidence at an upcoming session.