Despite LUHSD’s decision, the Swim Team continues to fight for its survival

The Lassen High School Swim Team appreciates your continued commitment to covering the ongoing effort to save our program.

Unfortunately, we are saddened to share that this fight has come to a devastating end due to actions taken by the Lassen Union High School District Board. We believe our community deserves to hear the full story and hope you may be willing to continue reporting on this issue.

Here is a summary of what has taken place
At the January HLVRA board meeting, the board agreed to initiate contract negotiations with LHS for pool use. A contract was sent to the school outlining $24,000 in facility fees. However, the school did not attempt to negotiate these terms or further engage with the pool regarding the contract.

In March, the swim coach learned that the team was being considered for elimination due to budget concerns.

At the March LUHSD board meeting, several swimmers and parents spoke, urging the board to reconsider. They asked the district to negotiate the pool contract, explore alternative cost-saving measures and allow the team to continue fundraising to offset expenses. Unfortunately, these requests were not addressed, and the board voted to cut the swim team during that meeting. The coach was formally informed the following day.

We later learned that when the principal finally contacted the pool’s executive officer in March to notify them of the decision, the officer asked whether the school would reconsider if the pool, city and county worked together to reduce or eliminate pool fees. The principal declined, citing that additional costs such as travel, lodging and meals were still associated with the cost of the team. This does not accurately reflect the team’s expenses. In reality, costs are limited to pool fees, transportation and the coach’s stipend.

The coach had already offered to forgo the stipend, and parents have consistently volunteered to provide transportation at their own expense, as has been done in past seasons (many times the school did not have transportation for the students).

With these contributions, the primary remaining cost to the school would have been the pool fee. Which the coach, parents and the team can offset this with fundraising as they have done in the past. Despite this, the board and administration did not reconsider their decision.

Additionally, multiple parents requested to be placed on the April board meeting agenda to discuss potential solutions, but these requests were denied. While public comment is allowed, meaningful dialogue is not possible during open session, as the board cannot respond or engage in discussion.

After weeks of seeking clarity, we were informed that no other sports programs were cut or reduced in funding.

We also learned that other programs operate at significantly higher costs. The swim team has more participants than the cheer team and golf team and a similar number of athletes as the drill team, yet it was the only program eliminated. Despite repeated requests, we have not been provided with a full breakdown of athletic program expenses.

The elimination of the swim team has significant consequences
It removes equitable access to athletics for our students, eliminates their ability to compete in CIF events, and takes away opportunities for state competition and athletic scholarship opportunities our swimmers have consistently achieved. It also impacts student engagement, as some students choose to attend LHS specifically to participate in the swim program. We have had three swimmers invited to go to Shasta College to swim. Sadly, no other students will have the chance to do this.

The LHS Swim Team also provided students with valuable skills and experience that supported future career opportunities.

Several of our swimmers planned to pursue paths such as the Coast Guard and Navy, where strong swimming ability is essential. Participation on the team offered not only training but also meaningful experience that could strengthen applications and resumes for these careers.

There is no other sport at LHS that offers this type of direct pathway for students. With the elimination of the program, these students have lost an important opportunity that supported their future goals.

The next LUHSD board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 at the LUHSD Board room on Main Street. Many parents and community members plan to speak again regarding this decision and its impact on students.

We hope you will consider continuing to cover this story so the broader community can better understand what has occurred and how it affects local students.