Parents and students press West Oso ISD board to protect girls athletics and coaches

Public comment at the West Oso Independent School District board meeting on April 27, 2026 centered on athletics and coaching decisions. "Public Speaker 1: Ms. Aaliyah Hernandez spoke about the girls athletic program and volleyball coaches," the minutes state. Multiple speakers described how coaches and programs affect student opportunity and asked the board to maintain program stability.

Speakers included Ms. Serenity Lopez, who spoke specifically about the softball coach, and Ms. Anastasia Fillmore, who raised concerns about budget cuts and their potential effect on athletics. Mr. Manuel Alvarez told the board that sports "made a difference in his life," while Ms. Alexus Ayala and Ms. Kaylin Castaneda emphasized transparency around any proposed changes. The speakers collectively urged the trustees to consider the community and student impacts before approving staffing or program reductions.

The board did not record a direct staff response in the minutes beyond subsequent agenda items on athletics programming and district budget matters. District staff later presented a spring and summer athletics programming overview during the Balanced Scorecard report, and the superintendent's office listed upcoming athletic banquets and events in the superintendent update.