Students, alumni and parents urge Benicia Unified trustees to reconsider personnel action involving longtime coach

Dozens of students and community members spoke during the public-comment period to press the Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees to reconsider a personnel action affecting a longtime teacher and coach known locally as “Coach T.” The remarks came during public comment on closed-session item No. 4, when the board permitted comments related to that confidential agenda item.

Several current students described direct help they said they received from Coach T during summer school and after hours. "He's so quick to respond even over summer," said Jacinto Cabalero, a Benicia High student, recounting emailed supports and extensions the student said Coach T provided. Former student Leo Sanchez told trustees, "He's been more than just a teacher or a coach. He's been a voice, a supporter, and an inspiration for generations of students in this town." Benicia High alumnus Nico Sanchez said Coach T "wasn't just there during school hours, he'd stay late to help students who were struggling."

The speakers framed their appeals around Coach T's role in athletics and classroom support, the mentorship he provided to students across multiple graduation years, and the effect his absence would have on school spirit and student wellbeing. Frida, introduced as the Liberty High School student representative, told trustees she had seen Coach T connect with students across schools and asked the board to "reconsider a decision that might be made in the future." Other students representing wrestling, football and track reiterated similar themes of continuity and mentorship.

Board members did not discuss or announce any personnel decisions in open session. The board chair confirmed at the meeting's close that trustees would adjourn to closed session to address confidential matters, and state law generally prevents public discussion of personnel deliberations during the open meeting. The public speakers left copies of written statements with the board and several community members said they had submitted signed letters for the record.

Trustees did not take public action on the matter during the meeting. The district did not release any new administrative determination during the open session; any formal action or direction to staff would be recorded in subsequently posted closed-session minutes or in the board's public agenda if an action is later placed on an open meeting agenda.