Students praise volleyball program; parents urge stronger support for Science Olympiad
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Summary
Athletes from Horace Greeley told the board Dec. 10 that coaching stability and structure have driven sustained success. A parent urged immediate improvements for Science Olympiad, citing missing supplies, inconsistent partners and insufficient meeting time.
Student athletes and parents used the board’s public comment period on Dec. 10 to spotlight two different programmatic issues: a plea to preserve coaching continuity in the volleyball program and urgent requests for better support and organization for Science Olympiad teams.
Senior leader Jada Sekich and multiple teammates described a program built on strong culture, accountability and consistent coaching. Sekich said the team trains year‑round and sets long‑term goals such as competing for state championships. Board protocol interrupted several speakers when comments veered into naming individual staff; the board reiterated that policy 1005 prohibits discussion of individual personnel in public comment.
Parent Melissa Gomez spoke about Science Olympiad, which the district shifted from a club to an academic team this year. Gomez said students arrived at their first competition without necessary supplies or stable partner assignments, which left participants unprepared and discouraged. “To put this in perspective, imagine if our football team showed up to their first game without helmets or cleats,” she said, and asked the district to provide materials, dedicated practice time, event‑specific coaching and mentoring from partners so students can be competitive this season.
Superintendent Dr. Ackerman acknowledged the concerns, said the administration will survey students and work with coaches, and described plans to gather more feedback. Board members expressed appreciation for students who spoke and committed to follow‑up, including a student survey and additional conversations with coaches and staff.