Board approves girls hockey coach amid parent concerns; 4–1 vote

The Rock Ridge board voted 4–1 to approve the recommended candidate for the girls hockey coach position (agenda item 4.16) after board members discussed social-media reports and parent emails alleging conduct concerns.

A trustee who asked that the item be pulled said the district must ensure coaches are “strong role models both on and off the ice” and expressed reservations that the candidate may not fit team culture. “I’m not sure this candidate is the best fit at this time,” the trustee said during discussion. Administrators and the interview committee defended the recommendation, saying the interview ratings produced a clear front-runner and that any future performance issues could be addressed through nonrenewal or reposting.

One board member summarized the interview-team process and the scoring, saying he had reviewed the interview sheets and found a clear leading candidate. “When I look at the interview materials, I don’t see a conspiracy,” the administrator said, urging the board to accept the committee’s recommendation.

Trustees debated whether allegations reported after interviews were hearsay and whether they could be corrected through supervision and training; some members favored giving the candidate a chance under a one-year term and clear expectations. The motion to approve the hire was made and seconded and carried on a voice vote with four members in favor and one opposed. A separate trustee later asked that their abstention or non-participation be recorded for the record.

The board did not vote to change the district’s coaching policies during the meeting; administration said they would work with the coach if hired and that coaching positions are not guaranteed renewal.