Coach urges board to clarify mandated communication tool for coaches

Garrett Justice, speaking during the meeting’s public‑comment period, asked the board for clarity before the district requires use of a new communication platform (referred to in testimony as “Aphagy”). Justice said coaches commonly use phone calls, text messages or social media to notify parents about cancellations, game times and roster matters and worry they could be penalized for using non‑district tools. “The easiest way to communicate is a phone call, is a text message,” he said, urging the board to lay out specific guidance for coaches who work outside the classroom.

Justice described long, informal relationships that coaches often maintain with students — for example, through private teams or community activities — and urged protections that distinguish classroom communication from extracurricular coaching interactions. He said staff want to comply with legal and safety training but need practical rules before any mandate. The board did not take immediate action on the comment; the speaker asked for “clarity for us as coaches” and the superintendent and staff are the designated follow‑up contacts for implementation guidance.