Former Hamady varsity coach alleges selective enforcement after board learns parents spoke to the board

Casey Short, who identified himself during public comment as the varsity basketball coach, told the board he has been publicly listed as head coach for nine months but was removed from that listing after parents and players spoke to the board on Nov. 19. He alleged the district did not follow its own administrative-leave procedures and characterized the timing as "selective enforcement."

"This is about truth, fairness, and the example of leadership we set for our students," Short said, asking for consistent application of policy 4121.01 and an individualized analysis required before restricting or removing an employee. He outlined six factors the district's policy requires for administrative actions and said, in his view, none justified removal: the charge was unrelated to school duties, significant time had passed, he had completed diversion programs approved by prosecutors, and he had a positive employment record.

Short said the change in the district's position followed public comment and left his position and program unstable at the start of the season; he asked for a timely resolution and said he may pursue all available options if the matter cannot be resolved promptly. The board did not render an on-the-record decision during the meeting. The superintendent and board members listened without offering a formal rebuttal during the public-comment period.