Parents and students urge Belgrade School Board to resolve pulled coach item

Dozens of parents, students and community members spoke at the start of the Belgrade School District Board of Trustees meeting to press the board to restore an agenda item that was pulled at the last minute concerning the girls head basketball coach.

Jim Simon, who introduced himself during public comment, said families want to know why the item was removed and when it will be rescheduled, noting the basketball season is weeks away. "I was actually here tonight to talk about the item that's been pulled," he said, asking for clarity on timing for the board.

Multiple speakers followed. Lacy Simon said the delay has created "ridiculous" drama and pledged that supporters will attend the next meeting. Student Madeline Simon read a prepared statement backing Coach Nugent’s work ethic and program-building, saying, "We are here in support of our coach, and we hope we can finally put these destructive claims to rest." Several parents described harm to children’s well-being and asked the board to act quickly so the season and players are not disrupted.

Board chair noted the item was pulled "for an internal matter" and said the board will notify the public when the item is rescheduled. The board did not take action on the coach-related matter at this meeting.

The meeting moved on to recognition and routine reports; the board said it will prioritize getting the pulled item back on a future agenda so concerned families can participate.

What’s next: The board said the coach item will be addressed at a future meeting; the district will notify the public when a date is set.