Dozens of students, parents and community members used the Jan. 16 public‑comment period to plead with the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education to retain Chino High School athletic director Michael Hinkle and football coach (LaRosa) after a drowning that occurred at a pool last summer.

Speakers described Hinkle and the coaching staff as long‑time, visible mentors and asked the board to consider the impact on students if Hinkle or coach LaRosa were removed. A parent said they received an email from the Chino High principal stating the school and coach “are parting ways”; that statement was made to the board as an account of what a parent received, and the speaker attributed that phrasing to the principal.

Student speakers characterized Hinkle and LaRosa as trusted mentors and said they had been at the pool during the incident. One student said, "He cares about his students. He cares about the sports. He works hard to keep kids on campus," and urged the board not to "ruin his life for something that happened so far back." A parent and other speakers described students who performed rescues and CPR at the scene; as a parent said, those students “found the strength to do that.” Several speakers said they believe a full investigation did not include interviews with multiple students who were present.

Some parents stressed the value the coaches bring to student well‑being, arguing that firing them would remove important support systems for athletes. A speaker identified as a past boosters president said Hinkle “puts in hours after hour after hour” and called him a leader who built a culture of accountability and support. Several speakers referenced the June 28, 2024 incident date when describing the emotional toll on students and families.

Other commenters, including a pastor and a district employee representative, said district staff and school employees had gone above and beyond during recent local crises such as wildfires and power outages and expressed gratitude for their work. One pastor said more than 100 people gathered outside and later sought clarity about communications from the school.

The board did not act on personnel matters during the open meeting. The agenda’s earlier closed session — which the board said covered anticipated litigation, existing litigation, student discipline and labor negotiations among other items — concluded with the district’s statement that “No action was taken that required public disclosure.” Speakers at the public‑comment period repeatedly requested transparency about the district’s process and whether student witnesses and other staff had been interviewed.

Speakers also urged the board to weigh the impact on students when considering personnel decisions involving Hinkle and LaRosa. Multiple speakers asked the board to "reconsider the termination of head coach LaRosa" and to allow Hinkle and other school leaders to remain in place while any investigations continue.