L-EISD board doesn’t renew coach’s contract

TEXARKANA, Texas — The Liberty-Eylau Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to approve the non-renewal of head basketball coach Aquanetta Watson’s contract at a special meeting Thursday night.

The measure not to renew was approved after a 4-2 vote by the Board.

Prior to the vote, several supporters spoke on Watson’s behalf.

Vice President Scott Bergt, Debbie Courtney, Becky Fellers and Chad Turner voted to approve the action on Superintendent Ronnie Thompson’s recommendation to propose the non-renewal of the Chapter 21 Term Contract and give notice to Watson,

Board President Trevelyan Hodge and James Keeton voted against the measure, while Rosiland Davis abstained.

The district declined to speak on what this personnel matter is related to or what caused this decision to be made to let Watson go, but it was confirmed that she has not been involved on the school’s campus since students and teach

ers returned from holiday breaks in January.

Several community members close to Watson spoke in the open forum portion of the meeting, before a decision was made in closed session and a vote was passed in open session.

Those who spoke in open forum included Watson’s mother, Rosie Watson, coaches John Wimbley and Stasik Vaughn Sr., former player Kyla Coston and Torry Williams, who’s had two daughters mentored by Watson.

Everyone who spoke in open forum endorsed and backed Watson, noting her character and integrity, in hopes that she would be reinstated.

“On behalf of me, my family and coach Watson, we’re not giving up,” Rosie Watson said. “When we go before the judge, whether we are just or unjust, we get what we deserve. I don’t have a vote, and if I did, you know which way it would go. But when we start casting votes, let’s think about it. She’s in this position now, but tomorrow, one of us could be in that same position.”