“It’s a highly dangerous and technical sport,” said Mazeika. “The effect it has on a child’s life is very significant.”

The decision to remove funding for the gymnastics program was based on the district’s request for investigation of equitable funding in all non-UIL sports. The gymnastics governing body, the Texas High School Gymnastics Coaches Association, does not allow teams to compete except under the direction of a high school coach. The team would therefore be unable to compete without a district-employed coaching staff.

Katherine Agnew, a Kingwood High School gymnast, listed the superior academic achievements of local student gymnasts.

“In a time of data decision-making, I find it difficult to comprehend that a school district has decided to stop support…” Mike Rafferty, resident and parent of two student athletes, said he was concerned that coaches, parents and students were not involved in the decision.

“I can’t express how disappointed we are in that,” said Rafferty.

He cited a section the Vision 2010 plan which encourages stakeholder involvement.

Superintendent Guy Sconzo took responsibility for the decision.

“It was not my intent to cause disillusionment or disappointment,” said Sconzo.

Trustee Keith Lapeze said he felt that the problem is based on a lack of finances.

“This would not be a big deal if we had money,” said Lapeze.

He asked parents to stay involved in school funding.

Dan Huberty, school board vice president, agreed and recalled last year’s $9 million deficit. Huberty was optimistic, however.

“One message we want to deliver is that we understand and are going to find a way to work this out,” said Huberty.

“Obviously gymnastics has coaches that are doing a great job. We have an instructor that hurts the girls,” said parent Russell Musquiz, referring to AHS Patriette Dance Team Director Melissa Rayburn. Parents came forward to complain about what they termed “serious concerns about the management style.”

Evelyn Jackson, parent of a drill team member, said that the instructor asks students to perform personal errands during the day, leaves class without a substitute, and does not provide accounting for drill team funds. Jackson also said that the instructor brought her sick and contagious child to the class, and took team members out to wrap houses.

Another parent, Alice Hendricks, said that private, biased instruction is also being provided for one particular student.

“Why is the board putting up with this violation of the code of ethics?”

Sconzo said that the board was previously aware of issues with the coach, although not to the extent described by parents at the meeting. “This is a personnel issue that we are addressing,” said Sconzo.

Also on the agenda, the board-approved continuation of the AVID program for the 2008-2009 school year. An acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination, the program targets students in the academic middle and prepares them for college eligibility and success.

Students and teachers emotionally expressed support for the program. Garson Gonzalez, a Kingwood Middle School student, said the program had changed his life.

“I come from bad people in a bad neighborhood,” Gonzalez said. “I ask myself, how does a former gang member get this opportunity? ... I believe in myself now, and know I have a future.”

Humble Middle School teacher Cindy Burgess wept as she described her feelings about the program.

“I’ve never believed in anything more than AVID,” said Burgess.

She said AVID tells students, “You can be successful. I believe in you.”

In other business, the board approved the following items:

• Adoption of recommendations of the Textbook Committee

• Materials and installation of three asphalt walking/jogging tracks to Ascrete Inc. at Maplebrook, Elm Grove and Summerwood elementaries.

• Payment of water connection fees to Harris County MUD No. 402 in the total amount of $46,515 for water service to Summer Creek High School.

• Approval of the sale of bonds and the issuance of up to $76.4 million HISD Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, and up to $35 million in Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds

• The selection of Willis of Texas to provide brokerage/risk management services

The board also commended music program students who had achieved Texas Music Educators Association state ranking.