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Coach Peter Gonzalez asks board to review district 'do-not-rehire' status after resignation
Summary
Coach and teacher Peter Gonzalez told the San Bernardino City Unified board he has been blocked from rehire by an automatic district status after he resigned and asked the board and HR to review his case and consider an administrative exception. Several former students and parents urged the board to intervene.
Peter Gonzalez, a 13‑year teacher and longtime coach in the district, told the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board on June 2 that a district automated process placed him on a blanket “do‑not‑rehire” status after he resigned, and that the block is preventing him from continuing to coach.
“After 13 years of unblemished service and proven success, my coaching whistle is being taken away,” Peter Gonzalez said in public comment. He described a record of student achievement — including high math scores and students who went on to top universities — and asked the board and HR leadership to “look at the human element” and grant an administrative exception that would override the district rehire block.
Several former students and parents spoke in support. Luis Rodriguez described Gonzalez as “the blueprint” for the program and said removing him because of a clerical or automated policy would be “a disservice to the aquatic program, the school, and the community.” Former student Elelliana Neg told trustees Gonzalez helped her balance athletics and rigorous coursework: “He made sure that having good grades should be our priority, not just being athletes.”
Speakers asked the board to direct HR to review Gonzalez’s personnel file separately from athletics and academic roles. Trustees did not take immediate policy action during the meeting; staff told speakers to submit supporting materials to district staff (the public comment moderator said copies could be turned over to Karen) and indicated a staff follow‑up would occur if requested.
Why it matters: District administrative HR status and automated personnel flags can end employees’ ability to return to student‑facing roles; community advocates said that when a long‑time coach who also serves as an academic mentor is affected, the impact is broader than athletics. Gonzalez said his request was for a case‑by‑case administrative exception, not the elimination of HR rules.
The board did not vote or announce a specific next step at the meeting. Gonzalez and supporters left letters and offered to provide additional documentation to HR; staff indicated they would follow up with any speaker who requested contact information.
The issue remains a personnel request rather than a formal board agenda item; any change to district rehiring policy or an administrative exception would require staff evaluation or a future agenda item.
