For the past 6 years, Jonathan Macmillan has been at the head of the Dougherty Valley Speech and Debate team. He has built this program from the ground up; our team began with only 20 students, yet under Mr. Macmillan’s direction, the club has grown to include over 500 active members, making this one of the largest and most successful clubs on the Dougherty Valley campus. Under his guidance we have had 8 students qualify to the national tournament, and one student under his guidance went on to win the entire tournament, emerging as the National Champion in Congressional Debate. Under his guidance we have had over 31 students qualify to the California State Tournament in 2014, making us one of the largest entries there. Under his guidance we have been able to win prestigious national tournaments such as the Stanford Invitational. His dedication to the club and its members has been extremely valuable and crucial to our success. Simply put, Mr. Macmillan is an irreplaceable leader.

However, today we received news that the district has let Mr. Macmillan go as the head of the Speech and Debate program. The district has also declined to share with us or Mr.Macmillan a reason as to why he was removed as our coach. And as of right now (9/23), the district leaves Mr.Macmillan with no avenues to appeal or learn more about their decision. Mr. Macmillan plays an integral role in the DVHS Speech and Debate team, and without him, there is no way that this club can function. He helps to manage every aspect of this organization from tournament entry to club funds, and without him, this team will lose not only an incredible coach, but also an amazing mentor and friend.

We believe that this was an unfair action taken by the district. We believe that change ought to occur. We believe that you can help this happen by signing our petition.