Parents, players press board for transparency after decision not to renew girls basketball coach

Multiple parents, students and community members used public comment to urge the Downingtown Area School District Board to reconsider and explain the district's decision not to renew Darren Thompson as the varsity girls basketball coach at Downingtown East.

Tony Chavelli, who introduced himself as a parent, said he and many others wanted a meeting with district leadership to discuss "a decision not to renew the Downingtown East girls basketball coach and staff," and called for transparency in how the decision was made. "When silence replaces communication and speed replaces fairness, confidence in leadership begins to erode," he said.

Several current and former players described Thompson as demanding but caring. Kendall Chavelli said she had been coached by him since seventh grade: "Coach Thompson is a demanding coach, but that is a big part of why so many of us have improved and why we are so successful." Charlotte Ganji and Adriana Almadana described Thompson as an influential teacher and coach who helped keep students engaged. Scott Hanawalt and Alan Honnold, parents of former and current players, praised Thompson's character and impact on athletes' development. Chris Gange asked the board to "strongly consider" comments and letters sent in support of the coach and to review reinstatement.

No board action was taken during public comment; the board disclosed, later in the meeting, that it had met in executive session on personnel matters on 05/27/2026 and 06/10/2026 per the Sunshine Act. At the close of public comment, callouts from speakers asked for a meeting between families and district leadership to discuss next steps and restore confidence in the process.

The public commenters presented personal testimony and referred to letters of support; the transcript records multiple pleas for accountability but does not document a substantive administrative response or a reversal of the personnel decision.