Investigation finds PUHSD trustee crossed governance boundaries in Del Oro girls basketball matter

An independent investigation commissioned by the Placer Union High School District found Trustee Tom Duncan crossed governance boundaries and acted inconsistently with district board policies during his involvement with the Del Oro High School girls basketball program, according to findings released Tuesday night. The review was launched after concerns were raised regarding Duncan's involvement with the program amid the resignation of the varsity coaching staff during the 2025-26 season. In a statement read during Tuesday's board meeting, Board President Jessica Spaid said the district engaged independent outside counsel to review the matter following concerns regarding Duncan's involvement with the program. "The review concluded that certain actions crossed governance boundaries and were inconsistent with board policies governing the distinction between board oversight and day-to-day administration," Spaid said. Spaid said the board sought to balance transparency with legal and confidentiality obligations related to personnel matters and acknowledged that "not all details can be publicly shared." The board did not release additional details regarding the specific conduct examined by investigators or identify which board policies were implicated. District officials said the investigation did not find violations of the California Education Code and did not conclude that Duncan acted for personal gain, misused public resources or sought to benefit any individual student. "The board takes these findings very seriously," Spaid said. "Clear boundaries between governance and administration are essential to effective leadership and public trust." As part of the response, Spaid said the board will participate in additional governance training and continue reviewing district practices to ensure clarity of roles and adherence to board policies. District officials did not indicate whether any other corrective or disciplinary actions would be taken in response to the findings. The findings stem from concerns raised by former coaches and parents regarding Duncan's involvement in the Del Oro girls basketball program, including allegations that he exerted influence over staffing decisions and program operations despite board members having no authority over day-to-day personnel matters. While the district publicly disclosed the investigation's conclusion, officials did not explain what specific actions investigators found inconsistent with board policy or identify which policies were involved. The district also did not indicate whether the full investigative report would be released. Duncan acknowledges mistakes, disputes criticism Following the board's statement, Duncan addressed the board and audience, acknowledging mistakes while defending his overall conduct. "I will acknowledge that, as a brand new board member with less than 30 days of experience, I did not yet possess the knowledge that most trustees gained during the first year of service," Duncan said. "Nevertheless, I'll own that mistake." Duncan said community members approached him shortly after he took office with concerns regarding the girls basketball program and that he sought guidance from district administration. "After hearing the alarming information over a course of a month, I sought guidance from district administration, and I followed direction provided by district leadership, and I did not direct site staff, despite speculation suggesting otherwise," Duncan said. He pointed to the board's statement that no Education Code violations were found and that investigators found no evidence of personal gain. "My focus was always on what was best for the girls basketball program, the coaches, and the student athletes involved, not on personal interest or personal gain," Duncan said. Duncan said once he learned he should not have been involved with site staff, he corrected his actions. He also criticized media coverage and public accusations surrounding the controversy, describing them as politically motivated and based on misinformation. "The attacks directed at my family and me have been unfair and based on misinformation," Duncan said. Before publication of the Auburn Journal's Jan. 3 report regarding the controversy, Duncan was provided a list of detailed questions regarding his involvement with the Del Oro girls basketball program, including questions about communications with coaches and administrators, participation in hiring processes, personnel recommendations, potential conflicts of interest and the distinction between governance and administration. Duncan submitted a written response that was included in the story. In that response, Duncan wrote that his role as a trustee was "governance, not operations" and that "personnel decisions, evaluations, and supervision are the responsibility of staff, not individual Board members." On Tuesday, however, the district announced an independent investigation concluded Duncan crossed governance boundaries and acted inconsistently with board policies governing the distinction between board oversight and day-to-day administration. The district did not publicly identify which actions investigators determined crossed those boundaries or release the findings supporting that conclusion. The Auburn Journal has reached out to Spaid and the Placer Union High School District requesting additional information but has not received a response at the time of publication.