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Mike Molieri, Menlo-Atherton High School’s former varsity basketball coach, received a termination notice following a two-year investigation into allegations that he disclosed confidential student files. He said he plans to keep fighting for his teaching position in court.
Molieri was placed on paid administrative leave in August 2024 and received the notice of termination on Sept. 10 after the Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees voted to recommend his dismissal. The notice states that he has 30 days to demand a hearing or he will be fired.
“My goal is to clear my name of these outrageous charges that the district has done to smear my reputation,” Molieri told this news organization. “Next, is to fight the termination and go back to M-A and say hello to my friends and new students.”
Molieri said when he received the termination notice from the district, he felt angry and frustrated by how long the district’s investigation took but is now at peace knowing that the process is complete.
The district alleged he was involved in the release of confidential student files to non-district employees, allowed students to be in his classroom instead of their assigned classes and made false statements about students to other staff. The district also alleged Moleri solicited the Menlo-Atherton community to engage in the services of his brother Dan Molieri, a private investigator working with the legal team that represented a Black Menlo-Atherton student who was arrested by Atherton police at a bus stop in April 2023.
The student, who was identified as K.C. in court documents, received a settlement of over half a million dollars from Sequoia Union and the town of Atherton this spring.
Molieri filed a lawsuit in October 2025 against the district alleging race and age discrimination and retaliation. The suit named Superintendent Crystal Leach, former Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Todd Beal and current Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Bonnie Hansen.
“It is extremely disappointing that the district is moving for termination. I had really hoped that at some point they would pull back from this incredibly unfair and punitive action,” said Harry Stern, Molieri’s attorney. “Mike has excellent union counsel and as far as our lawsuit, the district seems to be inexplicably committed to damaging him further by ruining his reputation and cutting off his livelihood.”
Molieri, who was also a special education teacher, told this news organization that he believes he is also being discriminated against for his actions to protect students of color. Some M-A parents said that their children would not have graduated high school without Molieri’s support.
While he feels that the remaining educators at M-A will continue to provide safe spaces for all students on campus, Molieri said he is concerned about the “action, or more importantly, the inaction of administrators.”
“This journey I had to endure shows the true colors of the district leadership,” Molieri said.
The Almanac has reached out to the district for a comment.
As I stated at last meeting, millions of tax payer dollars which have already surpassed millions in 4 years will be further added to this total. All to cover up the district’s full corruption and actions against those who won’t break the law. The students safety remain at risk as long as this board and administration remains in place . However after this legal proceedings you will see many removed.
This case will fully exposed them in the courts. No further place to hide as the Caldwell evidence and full exposure of the illegal activity of the board and administration and some teachers will be all out for the citizen’s to see for themselves.