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Parents, students and local coaches urge board to reinstate Coach Rachel Jablonski
Summary
Multiple Daphne parents, students and a local skills coach told the board they support Coach Rachel Jablonski and asked that she be reinstated, citing students—' welfare and the program—'s recent competitive success.
Speakers during the public-comment portion of the May 19 meeting urged the board to reinstate Coach Rachel Jablonski and described her as a mentor who has positively affected students.
Sheila Westmoreland of Daphne said she brought two letters supporting the coach: one from parent Bobby Sue Thomas and one from alum Nora Whiteis. "I have never witnessed behavior that would cause me any concern regarding her character or her ability to lead," Westmoreland said, adding that Jablonski had advocated for students during difficult personal times.
Chase Brett, owner of Eastern Shore Cheer and a longtime skills coach for Daphne High School, told the board he has worked with the program for 14 years and called Jablonski "top notch" for her focus on athletes' wellbeing and development. "She knew how to push them, she knew how to lead them," Brett said.
Allie Williams, an upcoming senior and co-captain of the Daphne High School cheer team, said the team has achieved new recognition under Jablonski and urged the board to consider athletes' voices. "This decision was not made for the betterment of the team. It was made off of rumors and fake allegations," Williams said.
Parent Sarah Holt King described team accomplishments and a message Jablonski sent athletes at nationals, saying the coach had helped build a culture centered on "hard work, commitment, teamwork, accountability and excellence." King said she had seen Jablonski support students emotionally and academically and asked the board to weigh years of service and impact against social-media pressure.
The comments were given during the visitors/public-comment portion of the meeting; board members did not make a public ruling on any personnel matter during the session. The board proceeded to the rest of its agenda after the comment period.
The speakers who addressed the board during this segment were Sheila Westmoreland (resident), Chase Brett (business owner and coach), Allie Williams (student, upcoming senior and co-captain) and Sarah Holt King (parent).
