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Junior Jacob Sutton, left, addresses the Sequoia Union High School Board of Trustees on Aug. 21, 2024 with members of the Menlo-Atherton boys basketball team, asking for answers on why their coach, Mike Molieri, was dismissed. Photo by Arden Margulis.

Mike Molieri, Menlo-Atherton High School special education teacher of 21 years and boys varsity basketball coach of 12 years, has been placed on administrative leave by the Sequoia Union High School District for an undisclosed reason. Students say they’re devastated to lose a teacher and coach who acted as a mentor and safe space for many on campus. 

During a school board meeting on Aug. 21, M-A basketball players and a parent spoke during the public comment section seeking answers from the board as to why Molieri was placed on leave while expressing how important he is to the school’s community. 

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Jennifer Yoshikoshi joined The Almanac in 2024 as an education, Woodside and Portola Valley reporter. Jennifer started her journalism career in college radio and podcasting at UC Santa Barbara, where she...