As members of the school community personally affected by the inaction and disinterest of our current Athletic Director, we wish to raise our concerns. He has continually shown an evident lack of concern or care for our high school athletic programs, athletes, and coaches – the groups he is meant to support and promote. This is a violation of the commitment he had agreed to undertake.

Throughout his tenure, numerous occasions gave evidence of his apathy towards athletes' wellbeing and their programs. Athletes best interest have never been the forefront. The football teams had their seasons ended abruptly. Significantly impacting varsity especially seniors. Their senior night was ripped from them, homecoming, pep rally, powder puff, exceptional senior game, and collegiate opportunities/ acceptances/recognitions.

Football Coaches were disallowed from communicating with their players, leaving the kids to navigate colleges solo. A gag order was enforced shortly after the season abruptly ended. Three months later they’re left in limbo. Silent treatment, inability to coach other sports, even with significant accolades and accomplishments being inducted into hall of fame, now barred from coaching. 

Hodge has proven his inability to oversee athletes, coaches, athletics and equipment. Mismanagement of the track teams gear and equipment being tossed, signed to have wrestling mats removed and disposed, over 20 missing rowing machines valued over $2,000 each. 

Spring sports teams should be holding tryouts and practicing soon. Some teams were given permission to have already begun practicing with the exception of baseball. Softball and baseball have planned trips for spring break at the pre approval of the Athletic Director. Now Hodge has rescinded his approval, disallowing the teams to use school insurance and uniforms. 

Female athletes have been forced to change into their uniforms in porta potty’s, banned from entering the building to use the locker rooms. 

We believe athletics is an integral part of a student's holistic development. Over 7.8 million high school students participate in school athletic programs across the nation, demonstrating a significant desire and passion for these programs in schools (source: National Federation of State High School Associations).

We argue, therefore, that it is not just the want, but the need for an athletic director who acknowledges these facts - supporting the athletes, coaches, and programs to enhance these young people's skills and experiences. The school needs an authority figure that takes into consideration the importance of their role and the impact it has on many students' lives.

Thus, we request the resignation of the current Athletic Director. Our plea aims to replace him with someone who genuinely cares and understands the importance of athletics in high school, benefiting our students and the integrity of our sports programs. Please sign this petition to show your support.