Board rejects anonymous coaching‑feedback tool after trustees question effectiveness

The Salinas Union High School District board voted to remove from the consent calendar a proposed anonymous feedback tool intended to collect narrative comments about athletic programs and coaches, and the board later denied the item after extended debate.

Trustees and staff described two sides of the proposal. Supporters said anonymous submissions can surface issues that otherwise would not be reported and give administrators a trackable way to respond before a matter escalates into a formal complaint. "It's anonymous in the sense that addressing... the administration is aware of it ahead of time," a staff member said, noting sites have used anonymous intake to prompt follow‑up and sometimes identify respondents later.

Opponents said anonymous narrative comments do not belong in an evaluative tool for coaches and risk creating more problems than solutions. "I'm not in favor of anonymous comments," one trustee said, adding that coaches, athletic directors and principals should meet families and address concerns directly. Another trustee said: "There's no way I would do that—my students leave anonymous comments about me ever." Trustees proposed alternatives including in‑person meetings before the season, regular check‑ins and clearer site‑level complaint processes.

After a motion to deny and a second, the board voted to remove the proposal from consent and not to implement the anonymous feedback tool as presented. Trustees directed administrators to continue strengthening site processes for addressing athletics concerns and to return any revised proposal through the regular agenda process.