Sacramento-area school board declines to fire teacher over controversial basketball move
Twin Rivers Board members unanimously rejected a proposal to dismiss a middle school teacher and basketball coach who had been on paid administrative leave since December.
Jordan McGowan, said he felt ‘blessed’ after watching the 7-0 decision unfold, during a Twin Rivers Unified School District Board Meeting.
Many supporters showed up to the board meeting, both in person and online, on behalf of McGowan.
“I’m full of joy,” McGowan told The Bee. “They voted to not fire me, (I’ll) find out the next steps.”
McGowan could not be at the meeting because of his initial suspension.
He’s been on administrative leave since early December. He believes his suspension stemmed from a basketball move he used during a one-on-one game with a student. McGowan bounced a ball off the student’s head while coaching the student on defense.
He has been a leader at the school in nurturing programs for Black students, such as advising the Black Student Union.
He is still awaiting to hear from the district to decide the next steps moving forward.
This story was originally published April 27, 2022 at 11:22 AM.
