AUHSD releases statement on West Valley football coaching position
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The Anderson Union High School District released a statement regarding the open West Valley head football coaching position on Friday, March 6.
The statement, signed by superintendent Brian Parker and Board of Trustees president Joe Gibson, addressed recent backlash the district received for its Feb. 11 decision not to rehire former West Valley football coach Greg Grandell.
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Two days following the decision, West Valley students led a walkout to protest the Board's decision. Other supporters have taken to social media to voice their displeasure with the District and Board of Trustees.
The statement does not directly address or mention Grandell's name.
"We recognize that renewed discussion of this matter has resurfaced strong emotions within our community and brought attention back to an event that deeply affected students, families, and staff," the District wrote.
The District addressed a Feb. 24 statement Grandell made via his daughter, Brianna Bosworth, on Facebook. In the post, Grandell addressed the board's 5-0 decision.
"If you believe in documented truth, in due process, and in what is best for students long term, I respectfully ask you to revisit your decision," Grandell wrote. "If not for me, then for the unity of the schools and the young men who deserve leadership without lingering controversy."
However, the District seemingly shut the door on any potential reunion between West Valley and Grandell.
"Recently, the School Board made a unanimous decision regarding a personnel matter, guided by our continued dedication to upholding the highest standards of leadership, student protection, and ethical responsibility," the District wrote. "That decision reflects our resolve to ensure that our schools remain places where students are safe, supported, and appropriately supervised."
The statement acknowledged the lawsuit the district and Grandell faced.
"We are aware that some community members have characterized the outcome as an 'exoneration,'" the District said. "It is important to clarify that there was no trial or formal hearing from which an exoneration could occur. Litigation concluded before reaching trial, allowing the parties to resolve the matter without further proceedings."
The District closed the statement by confirming its support for the students. The West Valley football program has cancelled one fundraising event; however, the district said it is committed to ensuring the players on the team don't miss any other traditions and team bonding events.
"We recognize the importance of positive team experiences and will work to support students so that this longstanding tradition continues," the District wrote.
The school has not released a timeline on when it plans to hire a new varsity football coach.
The Board last met at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 6, during a special meeting in which the trustees met with the District's legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at the Anderson Union High School Library.
Brett Abrams is a sports reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. He covers high school and local sports in the Redding area. Reach out to Brett with any sports tips or news on X (formerly Twitter) @brabrams_ or by email at [email protected]. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Update as AUHSD responds to backlash over Greg Grandell decision