To:

The Kanawha County Schools Superintendent

The Kanawha County Board of Education

Riverside High School Administration

Subject: Request for Review and Reassessment of the Riverside High School Football

Program’s Leadership and Direction

Background and Purpose

We, the undersigned parents, players, alumni, and community members of Riverside High

School, are deeply concerned about the current state of the Riverside High School football

program under its present leadership. Over the past seasons, there have been consistent and

troubling indicators of poor leadership, questionable coaching capability, and the admission of

“cultural differences” that have negatively impacted team unity and player morale. These

issues have eroded confidence in the direction of the program and have discouraged

student-athletes who once took pride in representing Riverside on and off the field. We

believe every student-athlete deserves a safe, positive, and motivating environment that

promotes growth, discipline, teamwork, and respect — values that form the foundation of both

athletics and education. When these principles are compromised, it affects not only the

players but also the broader community that supports them.

Our Concerns

Specifically, community members have observed and reported:

• Lack of effective leadership and communication within the program, resulting in low morale

and player disengagement.

• Coaching decisions and methods that raise concerns about player development,

preparedness, and fair treatment.

• Acknowledged “cultural differences” cited by the coaching staff as a reason for disconnects

with players — a concerning statement that suggests an inability to bridge and respect the

diverse backgrounds that make Riverside unique.

Our Request

We respectfully request that the Kanawha County Board of Education and Riverside High

School administration:

1. Conduct a formal administrative review of the Riverside High School football program’s

leadership and performance;

2. Evaluate whether the current head coach’s leadership and philosophy align with the

mission, values, and expectations of Kanawha County Schools; and

3. Take appropriate action to ensure the program reflects the standards of excellence,

fairness, and inclusivity that our students and community deserve.Our Commitment

This petition is not a personal attack but a call for accountability and improvement. We want to

see Riverside football thrive under leadership that inspires pride, unity, and success — on and

off the field. We stand ready to work with administrators to restore trust and rebuild a program

that our players and community can once again believe in.