To:
Athletic Director
Members of the School Board
High School Administration

Cc: Head Cheer Coach

To whom it May Concern:

We are writing as parents and members of the Celina community to respectfully advocate for expanded cheer opportunities at the high school level. Specifically, we are requesting consideration for the addition of a third cheer coach, which would allow for the formation of a Freshman Cheer Team beginning next school year.

As you know, Celina is experiencing significant and exciting growth. Our schools, athletic programs, and extracurricular activities continue to welcome more students each year. With that growth comes the opportunity to ensure student programs evolve in a way that supports engagement, inclusion, and development.

Currently, there are 16 cheerleaders in 8th grade alone preparing to enter high school next year. This number does not include additional students moving into the district or students who plan to try out for cheer but are not currently on a team. Even with the potential movement of some athletes to the JV level, there remains a strong and sufficient pool of students to support a full, dedicated Freshman Cheer Team.

In order to responsibly support this level of participation, additional coaching support is essential. Adding a third cheer coach would help ensure:

Appropriate supervision and student safety
Manageable coach-to-athlete ratios
A sustainable structure for skill development and progression
At the same time, Celina fields a freshman football program, reflecting the district’s commitment to providing age-appropriate athletic opportunities. Cheerleaders play a vital role in supporting athletics, fostering school spirit, and building community, particularly at the freshman level, where student connection and belonging are critical.

Additionally, neighboring districts with similar enrollment growth and community size, such as Prosper, Frisco, and McKinney, have implemented freshman cheer teams, supported by adequate coaching staff, as a way to responsibly accommodate growth and ensure equitable extracurricular opportunities for students.

This request is not about expanding a program unnecessarily, but rather about aligning staffing and opportunity with the growth Celina is already experiencing:

Growth in student enrollment
Growth in athletic participation
Growth in student interest and involvement
By adding a third cheer coach, the district would enable a structure that supports student safety, program quality, and long-term sustainability, while giving more students the opportunity to participate, belong, and represent their school.

We are grateful for the leadership, care, and thoughtful decision-making that goes into managing athletic programs. Our hope is to partner with you in identifying solutions that reflect the needs of a growing district and the students we all serve.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued commitment to the students of Celina. We would welcome further discussion and collaboration on this topic.

Respectfully,

Concerned Parents and Community Members of Celina IS