Parents and superintendent dispute reason for cancelled final game; board warns on sports commitment

The Nespelem School District board heard a heated exchange over the cancellation of the high school team’s final game, with Chair Jolene Marchand and Superintendent Effie Dean explaining the decision and parents and student players disputing that account.

Superintendent Effie Dean said she had been told by the athletic director, principal and coach that parents Anna and Val Vargas planned to withhold their sons, leaving the team short-handed and forcing the cancellation. "I was told by the AD, Principal & Coach that Anna & Val had told them that they planned on withholding their boys from the last game day," Dean said. Anna and Val Vargas both said they did not tell staff they would withhold players. Several student players rose and said they "did not think the last game should have been canceled either."

Chair Jolene Marchand said coaches should accept criticism and suggested consistent coaching practices are needed. Board members and parents also discussed broader expectations for high school athletics, with Dean noting the district must consider whether it can sustain high school sports if the required commitment—late nights, holiday practices and summer conditioning—is not met, saying that without commitment "they were going to get kicked out of the league."

The board did not record a formal disciplinary action for staff in the minutes. No vote was recorded on changing athletics policy; the discussion closed with agreement on a new gym floor logo and a request for more consistent communication between coaches, staff and parents moving forward.