Parents fight decision to cut IPS football programs

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Dozens of concerned parents turned out in force at Tuesday night’s IPS school board meeting.

Last week, IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene White told the school board of plans to cut football programs at three IPS high schools next year. It's a move that's outraged many parents.

The superintendent insists there simply weren't enough students at Manuel, Washington and Marshall high schools trying out for the team.

"The students are voting with their feet and they are not coming out to play for the team," said Dr. White.

But many parents, especially those from Washington, are crying foul. They say it's unfair their respective high schools are being targeted.

They said the football program is, in part, about bringing a community together and removing the sport will only remove school spirit.

"We will loose important parts of our student body," said parent Loren Sprowl. "The overall morale of the school and its spirit, which has become contagious, will be hampered."

No coach is losing their job. They'll be transferred to schools that are keeping their football teams, like Broad Ripple High School. Dr. White calls it a better allocation of resources. Parents call it a stab in the back. They believe the football program is essential to student achievement since the majority of football players graduate.

"The message that you're sending to students and alumnus is Washington isn't good enough and that's not true," said Washington alumnus, Sherry Carter.

The football players at schools losing the program will be bused to practices and games for free.

The district isn't saving any money with this move, but the superintendent is hoping it'll make the district's football program stronger.