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Students urge Decatur SD 61 to retain Eisenhower softball coach David Mattingley
Summary
Multiple Eisenhower High School students told the Decatur Public School District 61 board on June 9 that Coach David Mattingley should not be forced to resign or be terminated, citing his long-term coaching, recruitment of middle-school players and support for students' mental health; the board did not respond during public comment.
Brianna Benedict, an incoming junior and captain of the Eisenhower High School softball team, told the Decatur Public School District 61 Board of Education on June 9 that Coach David Mattingley is being "forced to resign or be terminated" and urged the board to reconsider any removal.
"He invests countless hours into developing players, building bonds, practicing the game, and growing the sport in our community," Benedict said, citing Mattingley's work from youth leagues through high school and his role recruiting middle-school players who plan to join the program.
Several other students and recent alumni echoed that appeal. Tiarara Dyer said Mattingley "has shown an incredible amount of dedication, care, and passion for the game of softball and for every player he coaches," and described team trips and off-field support that she said built a family atmosphere. Michaela Luthy Herner, a returning player, said Mattingley attended to players' mental and physical health and that the team would "seriously reconsider" participation if he were removed. Mariah Berglin, who recently graduated, told the board she feared losing the program without Mattingley's leadership. Alandre Malaga said Mattingley provided emotional support during times of mental-health struggle and treated players "like we're his own daughters."
Board staff prefaced the public-comment period by reminding speakers that board members do not respond during public comment and that comments are referred to administration; staff referenced the Illinois School Student Records Act and asked commenters not to name specific students or staff. The board did not debate or act on the coach's status during the meeting; staff acknowledged public input and moved on to the scheduled business.
The public-comment block ran from speakers' introductions through several student statements; the board's next regular public meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Kyle Administrative Building, where administrators, not the board during comment, will receive the submitted remarks for the record.
