Parents urge North Hills School Board to address varsity football staffing, seek hiring plan by Jan. 26
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Summary
Parents and community members told the North Hills School District board Dec. 2 that the varsity football program has lost coaches and lacks offseason structure, asking for a written plan by Jan. 26, 2026 that outlines hiring, roles, budgets and transparency around stipends.
Casey Ellis, speaking for 24 families of North Hills football student-athletes, told the board Dec. 2 that the program’s coaching staff declined from 17 coaches in 2023 to 11 this year, creating safety and development risks and placing athletes at a competitive disadvantage. "This places our athletes at a competitive and developmental disadvantage long before they step onto the field," Ellis said, asking the district for a written plan by Jan. 26, 2026 that anticipates selecting a new head coach and hires for offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, quarterback coach, offensive line coach and certified strength-and-conditioning staff.
Other parents described similar concerns about safety, transparency and the hiring process. Donna Roberts, a parent of a sophomore, asked whether the district maintains an athletic budget and public expenditures and requested clarity on revenue from football games, how funds are allocated across teams, the coaching budget and whether an athletic advisory board exists. "We believe this information will help our community better understand what resources are available so that we can ensure the safety and success of our team," Roberts said.
Tiffany Broderick urged the board to adopt a deliberate, transparent hiring process for the soon-to-be-vacant varsity head-coach position. "A strong predetermined process allows for a complete evaluation of the program's ability to motivate students and players from grades 7 to 12," she said, arguing a careful search will identify candidates who emphasize academics, character and year-round development.
Speakers also urged better cohesion with youth football programs and restoration of staffing levels to at least 17 coaches; Nick Capis, representing the youth program, urged that candidates demonstrate plans to partner with youth football to create a sustainable feeder system. Donnie McKinley emphasized off‑season training and conditioning, citing his son’s progress as an example of year‑round development.
Board president Allison Mathis and Superintendent Dr. Mannarino acknowledged the comments and said administration had been listening; Mathis said the board would discuss committees and policies later in the evening and that administration would follow up. The board did not take formal action on the public comments during the meeting.
Next steps: parents requested a written staffing and hiring timeline by Jan. 26, 2026 and transparency about stipends and the 2026 coaching budget so the community and the football board can partner on supplemental funding and oversight. The district encouraged speakers to provide contact information for follow-up.