Parents, alumni and students urge Stockton Unified to reinstate Edison coach DeAndre Hawthorne

Dozens of community members filled the boardroom on Sept. 24 to appeal to trustees to reinstate Edison High School basketball coach DeAndre Hawthorne, who several speakers said was removed from coaching duties despite positive student outcomes.

Multiple speakers described Hawthorne as a mentor who helped athletes secure college opportunities; former player Sydney Buckley credited the coach with helping her obtain a Division I scholarship. Parent William Miles and other speakers said Hawthorne’s ties to the community and work with students make him uniquely important to Edison’s program. “He’s more than just a basketball coach to us,” student Avery Ward said.

Several commenters alleged the coach’s personnel change was handled poorly and raised concerns about due process and equity, but no specific personnel records or disciplinary findings were shared in open session. Board members did not take immediate action on personnel matters at the meeting.

Why it matters: The exchange underscores community reliance on coaches as mentors and raises district questions about consistency of personnel processes and communication with families. Trustees were reminded that personnel decisions are constrained by privacy and legal processes, which limit public disclosure in an open session.

What the board did: The speakers’ appeals were recorded during the public-comment period; the board did not vote on personnel reinstatement during the meeting. Several speakers asked the board to review the case and seek greater transparency; trustees acknowledged receiving the comments and thanked speakers for attending.

Ending: The board moved into formal business after public comment. No official reversal or formal investigation was announced on the record; staff and trustees indicated follow-up could occur through established personnel and grievance channels.