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Board declines to reinstate Coach Kevin Jones after hours of public testimony
Summary
After more than three hours of public comment with dozens of students, alumni and parents urging his return, the Hunter Central Regional High School Board voted against a motion to reinstate Coach Kevin Jones; the motion failed for lack of the five votes required. The board had postponed an earlier vote for executive-session discussion before the final roll call.
Dozens of students, alumni and parents told the Hunter Central Regional High School Board on Tuesday that Coach Kevin Jones has had a profound personal and educational impact on generations of athletes and students and urged the board to reinstate him.
"One moment does not define a teacher or a coach," said Robin Samarine, who identified herself as a community member, in an emotional plea that opened the extended public-comment period. "In his eight years as head coach of the women's volleyball team, he's influenced dozens and created mentors, role models, and other coaches." (Robin Samarine)
Supporters — many of them recent graduates who said Jones mentored them through mental-health struggles, helped them build confidence or returned as volunteer assistants — described him as a teacher and coach who "showed up" for students, offered individual guidance and created a culture of accountability and care.
Board members debated a motion introduced from the floor to reinstate Jones and whether to vote immediately. The board first voted to postpone consideration until a second executive session so trustees could consult in private about confidential personnel details. After resuming public session and taking the floor again, the board voted on a motion to overturn the superintendent's recommendation and reinstate Jones. The final roll call recorded: Miss Wallace — No; Miss Gong — No; Dr. Halpern — Yes; Miss Laccasta — Yes; Mrs. Santangelo — Yes; Mrs. Kellogg — No. Because the motion required five favorable votes to pass, it failed.
Board president Mrs. Kellogg announced the vote tally at the meeting's close and said the board had followed the required executive-session steps for a personnel matter. Several trustees said procedural and legal limits constrained what could be shared in public about the grounds for personnel decisions.
Supporters framed their testimony around Jones's long record: they cited years of volunteer efforts, youth mentorship, program-building, and students' postsecondary achievements. "He taught us ownership and resilience," said Kate Schwab, a 2023 graduate and former player. "Losing Jones would impact not just the players on varsity, but the entire program." (Kate Schwab)
Other public commenters had earlier raised separate concerns about transparency and potential conflicts when the district lists law firms tied to pending ethics matters; those procurement and governance concerns were discussed in committee and on the record during the meeting but did not change the personnel outcome.
The board's failure to win the five votes required means the superintendent's personnel recommendation stands. Trustees said they will follow up as allowed by law and board policy. No additional disciplinary details were presented publicly at the meeting.
The board is expected to continue to receive public comment on personnel matters at subsequent meetings as allowed under district rules. For now, Coach Jones remains subject to the superintendent's previously announced personnel action.
The board convened an executive session earlier in the meeting to discuss personnel matters and returned to public session before taking the final vote.
