Parents and students urge Spring ISD to repair pools and restore stability after coach suspended
Loading...
Summary
Multiple parents and current and former student-athletes told the Spring ISD Board of Trustees that the removal of swim coach Michael Hernandez and ongoing pool closures have damaged team morale and training; speakers asked the district to prioritize repairs and stability while an investigation proceeds.
Several parents and students told the Spring Independent School District board on Feb. 10 that recent staffing and facility problems have disrupted the district’s swim programs and harmed students’ safety and competitive prospects.
"I'm here tonight to share my concerns about recent changes affecting our swim program and, more importantly, our student athletes," Michelle Rodriguez told trustees during public participation, identifying herself as the parent of two swimmers. She said Coach Michael Hernandez has been removed and is under investigation and that, while she did not speak about the investigation itself, the coach's absence and the Spring High pool closure (nearly two weeks, she said) left swimmers without practice before regionals and raised safety concerns. Rodriguez also said DeCaney High’s pool heater has been broken for three years, a problem she said a DeCaney parent told her about.
Other speakers detailed similar effects. Monica Rodriguez said the team missed practices and did not receive needed materials and said some swimmers are considering quitting. Student Michael Rodriguez said Hernandez ‘‘gave me motivation, confidence, and the push to keep going’’ and described the coach’s support with gear and meet logistics. Sean Watson and Joseph Smith said Hernandez served as a mentor who supported both athletic and academic development. Parent Jocelyn (Yoslyn) Rodriguez said the community supports Hernandez while acknowledging an investigation and urged the board to ensure students continue to have opportunities to train and compete.
Speakers asked administrators to prioritize pool repairs, restore the after‑school SST program and expedite communication about timelines; Michelle Rodriguez offered a petition she described as having about 100 signatures. The board thanked the commenters and did not take immediate action on staffing or facility repairs during the meeting.
The board did not discuss details of the internal investigation during open session. Administration did not dispute commenters’ descriptions of reduced practice time or the current status of repairs during the public comment period; no formal motion or vote addressing the swim program or pool repairs was recorded at the Feb. 10 meeting. Trustees indicated they had heard the concerns and continued the agenda.
