EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Some Andress High School parents say the El Paso Independent School District is letting down its own student-athletes just days before the Andress eagles head into round two of the state football playoffs.
Families tell KFOX14/CBS4 they simply want to show up and support their team, but say the district isn’t making that easy.
Parents, students, and supporters say the Eagles have earned this moment, and they want to be there in person, but with the playoff game hours away in Lubbock, they say the district’s decision not to excuse student absences is preventing many from making the trip.
Julia Spencer reports on Andress Eagles fans frustrated by district’s refusal to excuse absences for playoff game (Credit: KFOX14)
“It think it’s a little disheartening,” said parent April Gaines, an Address high football parent.
“To just not show any support, it’s kind of sad,” added Aaron Magallanes, another Andress football parent.
A longtime supporter put it bluntly, “And people wonder why El Paso’s not a football town or there’s no support, there’s no support from the schools.”
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As the Eagles advance into round two of the playoffs, parents say the city doesn’t often get a chance like this.
“It’s not too often that El Paso gets to represent at this level or, you know, the fact that we’ve just been given this opportunity,” Gaines said.
Covered in maroon and gold, the Eagles are one step closer to a title and many fans want to make the nearly six-hour drive to cheer them on.
“I just feel like they’re not making any accommodations for any parent that wants to go to the games,” one supporter said.
The Eagles will face Melissa High School in Lubbock.
Melissa administrators posted online that they’re giving students and staff the day off to attend the playoff game.
Melissa High School’s Facebook post cancels classes Friday for playoff game against Andress high school. (Credit: Melissa High School FB page)
In contrast, Andress families received a text message from EPISD reminding them that Thursday and Friday are “key school days,” and students are expected to attend.
EPISD text message reminding parents to have students attend class Thursday (11/20) and Friday (11/21) (Credit: EPISD Parent).{ }
It is unsure whether that text is related to the frustration from parents.
“I just felt like it went into one ear and it went out the other,” Magallanes said.
Gaines called the district’s message discouraging stating, “I just think that’s very discouraging, not only to our athletes, also disheartening to just the community, because you’re pretty much reinforcing that, ‘Hey, you know what? We don’t care that you all have had this great accomplishment.’”
Another supporter said, “They could care less about what El Paso’s doing in athletics as long as they get their funding for attendance.”
The EPISD trustee representing Andress High School posted on Facebook that he plans to look into the matter moving forward. He also voiced support for the team, writing,
This is definitely something I would like to look into and see what can be done moving forward. I strongly believe in recognizing and supporting our students when they’ve achieved something significant. When these moments happen, our students should have the opportunity to be celebrated and supported by their fellow students, families, faculty, and community.
Facebook post by EPISD Board Trustee Robert Osterland regarding parents concerns over Andress playoff game. (Credit: Robert Osterland Facebook Post)
But parents say what the team really needs is the city behind them.
“I think it’s crucial to be honest And to make it this far and not have any support, it’s crucial. It’s fundamental, actually,” Magallanes said.
Another supporter added, “Oh, it’s a huge importance we’ve gone to games in Dallas, we’ve traveled to other games and to see the crowds from Dallas go support their teams and what El Paso gets is horrible.”
Gaines says she remains proud of the team no matter what.
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“I’m just very proud of our boys, and I hope they go out there and they represent El Paso and the district, and they bring back that hardware for us.”
KFOX14/CBS4 reached out to the El Paso Independent School District to ask about its policy on excusing students for events like this but have not received a response.
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