Students and parents say coach comments were dismissed by administrators; board asks superintendent to follow up

At the Sept. 22 meeting of the Preston County Board of Education, several Brewon School students and parents accused a coach of making comments that made team members uncomfortable and said school administrators had not communicated with parents or taken the students' concerns seriously.

Parent Stacy McInness told the board she and other parents were surprised and frustrated that the district did not notify families promptly after the reported incident, and that a follow‑up meeting with the principal felt like "an apology" that failed to accept responsibility. "We were met with many, many things that did not make sense to us," she said, urging the board to implement better communication protocols.

Her daughter, Ashley McInness, an eighth‑grader, described how teammates who reported inappropriate remarks felt dismissed in an interview with school staff. "When we voiced our concerns ... we were called liars and excuses were made for the inappropriate comments," Ashley said. She added later, "I will always be the voice of those who feel silenced."

Evelyn Monahan, who said she was also on the team, corroborated the account and said an apology offered by the principal "didn't feel like a sincere apology, more like something they did just because they had to." Parent Heather Pal Monahan asked the board to adopt a written protocol giving parents the option to be notified or present when a child is interviewed as a witness.

The board did not take disciplinary action at the meeting. Superintendent Mr. Martin told speakers he had been in contact with school administrators, noted a meeting with principals was already scheduled for the next day, and said the district would review policies and training. After an executive session later in the meeting, the board reported it had asked the superintendent to "address the matter with appropriate parties and review concerned policies and personnel training and report back to the board if necessary." No further action was reported in open session.

Why it matters: The comments and the district's response involve student welfare, athletic participation and trust between families and school officials. Parents requested clearer notification procedures when students are interviewed about sensitive matters, and students said they feared reporting future incidents if they are dismissed.

What happens next: Board members asked the superintendent to follow up with principals and staff; members indicated the matter may require additional review at a future board meeting or in subsequent administrative actions.