Parents and dancers tell board high school dance and athletic programs need coaching, oversight reforms

Multiple parents, student athletes and former team members told the L'Anse Creuse board during the hearing of district patrons that the district’s dance and athletics programs — particularly at the high school level — lack coaching stability, sufficient training and consistent oversight.

Nut graf: Over a string of public comments the board heard firsthand accounts from students and parents who said high school dance coaching has declined in quality, leaving some talented dancers to transfer districts to pursue collegiate opportunities. Speakers also defended the district athletic coordinator Mr. Page and urged the board to avoid public attacks on staff and to use formal channels for concerns.

Gabby Lupo, a former team member, said the high school program “lacked structure, professional guidance, and genuine support” and described practices where coaches were not present during risky lifts and competitions. Mia Lucco, an incoming freshman and long-time competitive dancer, told the board multiple talented dancers have refused to join the program and are transferring to other districts. Parents including Julia Lupo and Stacy Cawley said daughters who enjoyed middle-school dance are considering leaving the district because they do not expect the same experience at the high school level.

Other public commenters addressed athletics leadership more broadly. Shondria Grant, who identified herself as part of L'Anse Creuse North athletics families, praised athletic coordinator Mr. Page for expanding opportunities such as girls’ flag football and for organizing signing days; she said public criticism of his leadership — including a letter that was publicly shared — harmed the work he has done to stabilize programs. Matthew Craft and other speakers asked questions about the district’s overall fiscal position while connecting budget concerns to the availability of uniforms, equipment, and coach support.

Board members said an athletics committee met and that items including internal team budgets, coach hiring and a coaches’ handbook would be reviewed. Superintendent Keith Howell said he would investigate the specific personnel and program concerns raised and that administration will follow up with stakeholders.

Ending: Several speakers urged faster action; parents and students said they will watch the athletics committee and hiring practices closely. The board asked staff to report back with recommended changes to coaching oversight and internal athletic-account procedures.