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Former coach urges board to restore speech-and-debate hours after cuts; district to discuss in executive session
Summary
Randy Snyder told trustees cuts to speech-and-debate staffing reduced student qualifiers and urged restoring 10‑hour weekly positions at Huntington High and Cabell Midland; the superintendent said the matter needs executive‑session discussion because names and personnel matters are involved.
A former Huntington High speech‑and‑debate coach urged the Cabell County Schools board to restore funding and hours to the district’s speech‑and‑debate positions, saying reductions have harmed student participation and competitive outcomes.
Randy Snyder described the program's past achievements under a 10‑hour‑per‑week position and said reductions to five hours coincided with lower numbers of students qualifying for national tournaments. "I'm simply imploring the decision makers to restore funding at the 10 hour per week levels for both programs," Snyder said.
Board members acknowledged the concern. Superintendent Hardesty told the board he intends to discuss an equity issue related to speech and debate in executive session because it requires naming staff and handling personnel matters confidentially. The board subsequently moved into an executive session for personnel.
Why it matters: Speech and debate programs are extracurricular activities that district staff and public commenters argue build critical thinking and public‑speaking skills; changes to staffing levels can affect program quality and student opportunities.
What’s next: The board entered executive session to discuss personnel related to the concern, and later approved personnel items in public session; any restoration of hours or funding would require a future board decision.
