Chatfield volleyball coach under fire, loses position

(ABC 6 News) – The Chatfield School Board has decided to move on from the current volleyball coach Molly Thomas due to allegations of unprofessional conduct.

Board members made the decision unanimously not to renew the contract with Thomas after hearing from community members, school board members, and staff.

The board heard a presentation Wednesday outlining a history of troubling behavior from the coach.

“I received a number of concerns and complaints from parents and players regarding Molly. When receiving these types of calls, I recommend that the players and parents speak with the coach as per department procedure. Most of the comments that were brought to me expressed both concern and fear of speaking to Molly,” Activities Director Dan Schindler explained.

The high school leadership described numerous reasons behind the recommendation not to renew Thomas’ contract.

“Specifically, Molly has not met expectations in the following areas: an unwillingness to receive and act upon feedback, conducting herself unprofessionally, lacking attention to health and safety. Molly made comments to a player with a medical condition that demonstrated insensitivity and a potential risk to the player’s safety. Maintaining a culture of distrust. Molly had the team take a survey that they were told was anonymous. Afterwards and in front of the team she identified some responses she did not like as well as the players that submitted the responses,” High School Principal Eric Nelson said.

“Our recommendation is not based upon wins or losses. It does not involve Xs and Os on the court. It does not involve playing time or positioning,” Nelson said while presenting the issue with Schindler. “Neither Dan or I have any interest in engaging in those conversations with either parents or players.”

Another concern that was brought up by Superintendent Ed Harris was that on Tuesday, Thomas blind-copied parents and athletes on an email she sent to the school board and the school administration.

“It was an unprofessional act that lacked good judgment. It was also a severe breach of trust for some of these parents and students,” Harris said. “Lastly, it unnecessarily distracted students with adult drama during the school day.”

To watch the full boarding meeting, visit HERE.