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Jason Rockwell, head coach of junior varsity basketball and special education teacher at Emerald High School, received an outpour of community support at a Dublin Unified School district board meeting Tuesday, amid fears he may not be reinstated as the Aerouants basketball coach next year.
The approximately 20 speakers — including student-athletes, parents and other coaches — attested to Rockwell’s character and his status as a leader and mentor at EHS. Some also expressed confusion regarding Rockwell’s brief leave of absence that occurred this school year and requested an explanation for that leave.
According to district spokesperson Chip Dehnert, a complaint was filed in mid-December and Rockwell was placed on paid administrative leave for 10 days while unspecified allegations were investigated.
Mid-season, no decision has been made regarding Rockwell’s coaching status nor his role as a special education teacher, according to the district.
“Without Coach Rock, EHS students would lose a leader who offers stability (and) guidance in a supportive environment for their growth, both on and off the court,” said father of ninth grade student-athlete, Edmundo Duldulao. “We need him back next season.”
A petition has been circulating to request a community meeting with Superintendent Chris Funk for confirmation of Rockwell’s reappointment. As of Wednesday afternoon, the petition has garnered 246 signatures.
“Us parents are wondering what in the world is going on,” said Kyu Kim, parent of an EHS student.
To basketball player Kyle Lei, Rockwell’s commitment to coaching is unrivaled.
“Coach Rock means everything to my teammates and I. Without him, our lives would be drastically different,” Lei said during public comment.
Another player named KJ Daniels said Rockwell’s coaching has gone beyond sports. “He’s taught me success isn’t just about talent, it’s about discipline and accountability,” Daniels said.
Dehnert said it’s too early to answer a question about next year’s coaching status and school sites are not required to make coaching decisions this far in advance of a season. The same goes for Rockwell’s role as a special education teacher.
Regarding the initial complaint against Rockwell, like any other, the contents and subsequent outcome are confidential, Funk told the Weekly.
As of publication, Rockwell did not respond to the Weekly’s requests for comment.
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