Golden Valley High School band students are calling for their instructor to return to the classroom after they say he has been away since March with little explanation from the Kern High School District.
At the school’s spring concert held last Thursday, student and band member Chloe Barriente Rivas addressed the audience in support of the band program and the instructor, saying, “We are doing this for the sake of our program. We are doing this because the Bulldog brigade matters. We are doing this because we believe in and stand with Mr. Hicks.”
Some students refused to perform at the concert in protest, citing what they described as a lack of transparency from the school about the situation.
KBAK DVR_WINDOW
An employee who asked not to be identified said the lack of information has caused distress and confusion among students. “So we didn’t find out until the CMEA Festival, which was on, believe, the 18th of March,” the employee said.
“The students got told, once they arrived to the festival at CSUB, that they were going to have a substitute to direct their show or their performance, and the next day, that’s when they started hearing, or even that afternoon, that the teacher was put on leaving day. Who knows when he was going to return?”
Records show Hicks has been the Golden Valley High School band teacher for a little over a year. The employee said Hicks quickly gained students’ trust. “So he’s honestly a great person. He listens to the students, he accepts the kids, because they find a safe space with him.”
The Kern High School District confirmed Hicks’ status but did not provide details. In a statement, the district said, “Mr. Hicks has been on paid administrative leave since March 17, 2026. The District is unable to comment further on personnel matters.”
The employee urged parents to contact the school and district and to continue showing support at remaining band events. “I would say, call the school, call the district,” the employee said. “Show your support, along with your student coming to the events that a few events that we have left, and showing your opinion or your voice that you also care about having this director back.”