Parents allege religious coercion by coach; board hears calls to preserve complaint escalation to trustees

At the San Marcos Unified board meeting on Dec. 11, a parent described what she called a pattern of inappropriate conduct by a San Marcos High School girls varsity basketball coach and urged the board not to approve changes to Board Policy 12.13.1 that would reduce parents’ ability to escalate complaints to the board.

Aman Sullivan told trustees that in May 2025 her daughter’s coach began ‘‘engaging her about her religious beliefs and values’’ on campus and after school, and that the student was dismissed after parents raised concerns. Sullivan said seven families had shared complaints alleging bullying, belittlement and retaliation, and that the district investigation described the conduct as due to the coach’s inexperience while leaving parents feeling ‘‘frustrated and disillusioned.’’

Sullivan asked the board to preserve the ability of families to bring appeals to trustees rather than narrowing the appeals path to internal administrative steps alone. Board members acknowledged the comment and said they heard the family’s concerns. One board member thanked the speakers for sharing difficult, personal experiences and encouraged following established processes.

District staff stated that an HR review occurred and that parents were notified of the district’s findings but that the district could not disclose personnel corrective actions. The board later tabled Consent Item 11.19 (complaints concerning district employees on appeals) to February 2026 for further discussion and possible revision.