Committee recommends waiver of track‑use fee for Homa Jets at Allender Memorial High School

The Service and Transportation Committee on April 15 recommended that the Terrebonne Parish School Board approve a waiver of policy file E‑1.6 — the district’s facility usage fee — for the Homa Jets track club at Allender Memorial High School for the 2025 season.

The recommended waiver covers practices only, May 1 through Aug. 31, 2025, Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. The committee recommendation requires the organization to reimburse Terrebonne Parish School District for all related custodial costs, provide required insurance, demonstrate nonprofit status and obtain approval from the school principal. The original request had included use of the school weight room; that request was removed from the recommendation because of liability concerns.

Thomas Johnson, identified as the girls track coach at Allender High School and the club’s summer‑program leader, told the committee he has run youth track programs for many years and described his role as both coach and mentor. “I’m not just a coach. I’m a mentor. My main job is, in the mental health profession,” Johnson said, explaining the program helps students set goals and build resilience.

Committee members praised Johnson’s work. Mr. Harding said the coaches provide not just athletic training but also mentorship and values that support students’ broader development. The committee’s motion to recommend the fee waiver was moved by Mr. Horning and seconded in committee; no objections were recorded in committee.

If the full board approves the committee’s recommendation, Homa Jets will be allowed to use the Allender track for scheduled practice hours under the stated conditions and with principal approval.