DUBLIN — Dozens of students, parents and residents are calling for Dublin school officials to reinstate the Emerald High boy’s basketball coach who a district official on Monday said will not be returning as head coach next season.

Supporters of Jason Rockwell, known as “Coach Rock” last week showed up in droves at a Dublin Unified School District board meeting demanding Rockwell keep his job. Athletes were told on Monday that Rockwell will not be on the sidelines next year, district spokesman Chip Dehnert said.

The reason behind his departure has not been publicly explained, and it is only the latest staffing shakeup at what has been a rocky inaugural year for the school, which opened its doors to freshmen and sophomores last August as the county’s first new high school in 50 years. Last fall, Principal Francis Rojas resigned — — just months into the school year.

Now, the school’s athletic directors are also asking the coaches of the track and field, cross country, basketball and football teams reapply for their jobs and compete with outside candidates. With a new junior class next year, the school will have varsity sports for the first time.

So far, two online petitions were created to demand the reinstatement of Rockwell and Laura Gan, the track and field coach. Rockwell could not be reached for comment.

Rockwell, who also teaches special education at Emerald High, was placed on a 10-day administrative leave in mid-December following a complaint to the district – the details of which have not been publicly disclosed. After his temporary leave, Rockwell has since returned to his teaching job, according to the district.

At the school board meeting last week, Ed Duldulao, a local doctor, said his freshman son chose to attend the school for the opportunity to play under Rockwell, who coached the boy in middle school.

“He encouraged everyone to continuously improve their skills. Winning games was not the most important, nor the only goal,” Duldulao told the board. “Without Coach Rock, EHS students would lose a leader who offers stability, guidance and a supportive environment for their growth, both on and off the court.”