Spearman Students Address School Board During Open Forum, Raise Concerns About Academics and School Culture

By Suzanne Bellsnyder, Editor

Several Spearman High School students addressed the Spearman ISD Board of Trustees during the public comment portion of the May 5 regular board meeting, speaking about academic priorities, extracurricular programs, and overall school culture.

The comments were made during the public comments portion of the meeting, when students and community members may bring concerns directly before the board. District officials did not respond directly during the meeting, consistent with Texas Open Meetings Act procedures that limit discussion on items not posted on the agenda.

Following the meeting, the Hansford County Reporter-Statesman requested and received a statement from Spearman ISD Superintendent James Layman on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

Layman said the students’ decision to speak publicly “took courage” and noted that their comments had been heard and would be reviewed by district and campus leadership. He said the district would continue discussion with staff regarding the concerns raised.

During public comment, students spoke broadly about academic priorities, extracurricular opportunities, and school culture.

Concerns included the visibility and support of UIL academics, fine arts, and agricultural programs, as well as perceptions of staffing patterns and course availability in core academic areas.

Students also discussed school culture and student engagement, saying they hoped for greater emphasis on academic achievement and broader recognition of non-athletic student accomplishments. Several students said they valued athletics and coaches, while expressing a desire for other programs to receive comparable recognition and support.

Students said their intent was to encourage improvement and dialogue rather than criticize individuals, and said they hoped the comments would prompt broader community awareness about school priorities.

In follow-up interviews we conducted, the students said they were motivated by concerns about academic preparation and opportunities for students involved in non-athletic programs. They said they wanted continued support for UIL academics, FFA, band, and other extracurricular activities alongside athletics.

Athletic programs in Spearman are supported in part through a parent-led booster organization. Booster groups that support student activities in the district are typically parent-led and may be formed based on community interest and participation. Athletics currently have an established booster organization, while other programs such as fine arts and academic extracurricular activities do not have a directly comparable structure in place.

Students also acknowledged they did not pursue the district’s formal grievance process before addressing the board. Spearman ISD policy provides a structured process for concerns, typically beginning at the campus level and progressing through district administration before reaching the board of trustees when necessary.

Some students said they were not aware of the process at the time, while others said their concerns were broader in scope and related to overall school culture rather than individual complaints.

While the grievance process is designed to address specific issues through administrative channels, public comment at school board meetings remains an additional avenue for students and community members to raise concerns directly with elected trustees.

Students said they chose the board meeting to ensure their concerns were heard publicly and to encourage broader community awareness and discussion of academic and extracurricular priorities.

The students who participated are Spearman High School juniors involved in UIL academics, athletics, band, FFA, and student leadership organizations.

Editor’s Note:
 The Hansford County Reporter-Statesman made an editorial decision not to publish the names of student speakers or direct quotations from their remarks in this story, as the participants are minors. The content of their comments has been accurately summarized for context and clarity.