News Summary

Tensas Parish is abuzz after the local school board’s unexpected decision to discontinue the football program at Tensas High School. Community members gathered on April 29 to express their outrage, citing a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Amid financial difficulties and safety concerns, the board justified the cut, yet locals argue that the football program is integral to the community’s identity. As parents rally for action, the fate of the program hangs in the balance leading up to the May 8 school board meeting.

Tensas Parish Community Unites Against School Board’s Decision to Discontinue Football Program at Tensas High

Tensas Parish, a small but tight-knit community in Louisiana, is buzzing with conversations and a sprinkle of chaos after the local school board decided to cut the football program at Tensas High School for the upcoming year. This bombshell was dropped at a recent school board meeting, leaving many parents and students in absolute shock over the unexpected decision.

A Sudden Decision That Shook the Community

The community meeting held on April 29 was packed, with residents flocking together to express their discontent regarding the board’s hasty choice. One concerned community member vocalized that cutbacks of this nature should have come with a heads-up ahead of time, allowing parents and supporters to put forth their thoughts and feelings in a more organized manner. The transparency of the decision-making process has been a hot topic of discussion, and many feel that the voices of the community have not been adequately heard.

The Reasons Behind the Board’s Choice

According to a board member, the recommendation to cease the football program stemmed from several factors including lack of participation, financial difficulties, and safety worries. These concerns were fueled further by the board’s belief that having female players on the football team posed potential injury risks. The board pointed to the fact that Tensas High is now competing in Class 1A and has struggled significantly with dwindling enrollment, which has fallen below 200 students. This drop presents a real challenge in sustaining a viable football team.

The Struggles of Tensas High’s Football Team

In recent seasons, the Tensas Panthers have experienced tough luck, finishing the 2024 season with a 1-9 record. The team’s solitary victory against Plain Dealing was a brief glimmer of hope amidst what many are calling a struggle for survival. For many locals, the football program represents just as much about the team’s performance; it’s a matter of community pride and tradition.

A Rallying Cry for Action

Among those leading the charge to bring back football is Brittanee Gibson, a parent who is determined to restore the program. She has organized meetings to discuss strategies for addressing the school board and rallying more supporters to attend the upcoming board meeting scheduled for May 8, at 5 p.m. in the Tensas Parish School Board Media Center. It’s clear that a collective push is brewing, as residents plan to show up en masse to voice their concerns and support for the Panthers.

The Emotional Impact on the Community

For Gibson, the decision to dismantle the football program feels like a betrayal, not only for her but also for her child, who has developed a deep love for the game. She believes that football is not just another sport; it’s a fabric woven into the community’s legacy, and its discontinuation would sever a connection many hold dear. A football team is seen as essential for fostering community cohesion, and Gibson, along with other parents and supporters, hopes to bring that spirit back into the Tensas High experience.

What Lies Ahead

Interestingly enough, while the football program faces an uncertain future, the school board remains committed to continuing girls’ and boys’ basketball programs. They are even considering adding a track and field program into the mix. As debates heat up leading up to the May 8 meeting, the fate of Tensas High’s football program hangs in the balance, symbolizing more than just a game but a rallying point for community unity.

As the next school board meeting approaches, the question remains: Will the community’s voices be enough to turn the tide and reinstate the beloved Tensas Panthers football program? Time will tell, but one thing is sure—the heart of Tensas Parish is ready to fight for what it believes in!

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