What is the District’s plan for remaining cleared JV players, and what accountability and transparency can we, and should we, expect from our leaders?
I am a PCHS parent and a concerned community member. We all agree that the recent, widely discussed incident is serious and that those responsible must face consequences. However, this situation has developed into a clear crisis of leadership characterized by the unilateral JV season cancellation itself, unexplained School Board meeting cancellation, the unprecedented silence regarding the traditional Varsity game announcement, and the missing coaches on the sidelines.
This entire situation demands public scrutiny.
Therefore, the conversation cannot simply end with the igniting incident itself. The decision to first suspend, then outright cancel the Junior Varsity (JV) football season creates additional injustice for every student who was not implicated. While the administration has indicated the decision will stand, we must address the fallout.
The punishment disproportionately affected our 8th and 9th graders who have been fully cleared (or, to our knowledge, are not currently implicated in the wrongdoing). These younger players have no option to move up and continue their season, even if that option is offered. Their hard work is being erased, and their dedication is being dismissed.
Football — or any other sport for that matter — is vital for our youth. It provides the positive, structured environment, academic accountability, and anchor these young men need. By canceling their season, the school sends a devastating message: that their innocence doesn’t matter when the community is under pressure. This discourages future participation with our school and community for those disheartened players and parents.
Furthermore, we must hold our leaders to the same standard of accountability we expect from our players.
The School Board’s legal duty is to secure “as full information as possible about the conduct of the public schools.” Additionally, the Board’s own policy actively “invites and encourages” community involvement. Canceling a scheduled public meeting — while parents still have questions and concerns about the immediate future of both teams, coaching staff, and ongoing issues — directly contradicts this fundamental obligation for consultation.
The issues now clearly extend beyond a single team. First, was the non-announcement of the Varsity game an oversight, or is the administration silently trying to distance itself and not stand by our kids? Second, with missing coaches on the sidelines, it is evident that the stability of the entire football program is at risk.
We ask the administration this: Does canceling the season for innocent athletes align with the division’s vision statement — “Promoting Achievement Growth and Excellence?”
Since the administration will not reinstate the season, we also demand answers to the following questions:
- What is the district’s plan for the innocent, currently cleared JV athletes?
- What alternative, meaningful activity, training, or structure will the district implement to replace the vital commitment taken away from these young men?
- What specific school policy or criteria is being used to justify the mass punishment of all cleared students?
Fairness and transparency must prevail. The opportunity to demand accountability is now. With School Board elections scheduled for November 4th, we urge the community to recognize that their vote is the ultimate power to hold representatives responsible — not only for their vested powers and duties, but also to represent the community interest and wellbeing.
More specifically here, for protecting the future of our innocent student athletes and ensuring transparent governance during times of crisis.
Sincerely,
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So. “Officials” can’t comment on crimes committed by juveniles, but how come juveniles in the know aren’t talking about it? And it can’t be all juveniles that are at fault….Does it have something to do with Islam?
I agree that Islam is a HUGE issue in Page County. I was walking down the street the other day and saw some Islam in a soy bean field.
Islam has its schedule, you have yours.