Ayala High School parents, students and the coach himself urged Chino Valley Unified School District officials on May 1 to reconsider the district's decision to release head football coach Terrence Smith and to explain the process used to remove him.

The outpouring of support came during the board's public-comment period at the district's regular meeting. Several students described Smith as a mentor who improved team morale and academic focus. "We finally have a coach who listens to us, motivates us, and demands the best from us on and off the field," student Andrew James Silva told the board. Coach Terrence Smith, who also spoke, said he had followed the hiring process and does not understand the district's decision: "I did everything right. I don't know what happened."

The matter was raised repeatedly by players and parents who described recent changes as disruptive to a team they said had rebuilt under Smith over the last three months. Parent Francisco Villalobos told the board Smith had already run a youth camp and "has been working with this team for about 3 months now" and had begun building relationships with the students. Student Trevor Moser said the previous program had created a hostile environment and that Smith restored players' enjoyment of the game.

Why it matters: speakers tied the coach's removal to student welfare, arguing that sudden leadership changes affect playing time, mentorship and student stability. Laura Silva, a parent, framed the district's obligation differently: "I understand the district's obligation to follow the collective bargaining agreement and honor the Rialto rule," she said, indicating concerns about contract and district hiring rules.

District response and board direction: Board members said the district must follow procedural requirements and that the coach may still have the opportunity to serve under certain conditions. Boardmember James Monroe told the meeting there was "some procedural stuff that's happening there" and that the coach still has an opportunity to be the team's coach. Boardmember James Naugh asked staff to look into the situation and requested clarity from district administrators. Superintendent Dr. Brian Enfield said district staff would review the matter with site administrators and human resources.

What was not decided: there was no board vote to reverse or affirm the personnel action at the May 1 meeting. Speakers and board members described a personnel process and collective-bargaining considerations; the board referred the matter to district staff for review rather than taking immediate formal action.

Next steps: Board members asked district staff and Ayala site administrators to investigate the procedural questions raised and to report back. Superintendent Enfield said staff would look into the concerns raised by students and families and provide clarification to the board.

Ending: The board did not announce a timeline for the review. Parents and students who addressed the board asked for a transparent update and said they would continue to press for answers that they said affect student athletes' well-being.