Parents and players urge board to retain Verrado coach; board pulls personnel hire after process concerns

Members of the Verrado High School community asked the Agua Fria Union High School District governing board on Wednesday to reconsider the departure of head football coach Hathcock and to address perceived flaws in the district's hiring process.

At the start of the meeting, student Adrian Ochoa told the board he wanted the district to provide an answer about why Hathcock was leaving and said the coach "built a bigger bond with the whole football team" and changed the program's discipline and culture. Parent Jolene Rice described Hathcock as "a vital asset to our children's educational experience and personal growth" and asked the board to reconsider his employment. Several other parents and community members, including Manuel Garcia and Tom Hegman, echoed those concerns and asked the board to prioritize stability for players and families.

The public remarks preceded a lengthy board discussion about a personnel item listed on the consent agenda related to hiring a head football coach at Verrado. Board President Acton and multiple board members said they had received dozens of constituent contacts in recent days and expressed concern about aspects of the interview and selection process. Board member Kristen Landis (referred to in discussion as "Landis") told the board she believed the nomination process had been "flawed" and said stakeholders should be able to trust hiring procedures.

After debate, the board approved the remainder of the consent agenda but struck personnel item 8.3, line 27, from the vote so the appointment would not be finalized at the meeting. The board majority approved the consent agenda with that item removed; one member voted against removing it. President Acton moved that the remainder of the consent agenda be approved while the specific personnel appointment be withheld from action.

Board members emphasized they were not commenting on the qualifications of any individual candidate. Several members asked the superintendent to review and, where necessary, correct district hiring practices and to present a revised protocol to the board before similar decisions proceed. Members also expressed concern about timing: some parents warned that repeating the hiring process could delay placement and affect the upcoming season.

The public comment period also included a statement from Samantha Hamblin, who spoke in support of Canyon View counselor Shalanda Smith (an executive-session item later on the agenda). That matter was discussed separately in closed session and later returned to open session for formal action.

The board did not finalize a hire at the meeting. Superintendent Islas (present) was directed to review the hiring protocols and present recommended changes to the board prior to reuse of the procedure. The district did not provide or finalize details of what, if any, concessions might be offered to retain Hathcock.

The board's action leaves the Verrado head-coach posting unresolved pending administrative follow-up and further board review.