KINGWOOD, Texas - Dozens of parents and students protested at Kingwood High School Wednesday to try and save a drill team coach’s job.
An Humble ISD spokesperson said April Swenson was informed Tuesday that this would be her last year as dance team director of the Kingwood Fillies.
Members of the Kingwood Fillies Booster Club said Swenson led the team to win multiple national championships over the last 22 years.
Parents said they are shocked by the school’s decision.
“It’s more than a dance team. She teaches them responsibility. She teaches them accountability. She teaches them strength. She teaches them to stand up for what they believe in. We feel like, as parents, we need to stand up for her and back her because of everything she’s done for our kids,” said Stephanie Burklow, a Kingwood Fillie mom.
“I can’t imagine the team without her. The girls are extremely dedicated to her, and she’s dedicated to them,” said Kelli Anderson.
Anderson said her daughter left the Houston Ballet to be a Kingwood Fillie with Swenson.
Several parents scheduled one-on-one meetings with the Kingwood High School Principal to discuss the reason behind the coach’s dismissal.
“We’ve been told that its bad judgment over the last seven years. Speculation is it’s due to some dances, but anyone that is in the dance arena and goes to dances knows that our dances are in line with everything else,” said Burklow.
Members of the Fillies Booster Club hope it isn’t too late to change school administrators’ minds.
“She has taught these girls so much more than what a textbook could tell them,” said Sandra Martin, a Kingwood High School Fillies Mom.
“I just wouldn’t want her to go down without everyone seeing the support we bring her. She’s the face of the Kingwood Fillies and she always will be,” said Shyanne Heppler, a former Kingwood High School Fillie.
Humble ISD spokesperson Jamie Mount told KHOU 11 News Swenson is still employed as a dance teacher at the school.
Mount sent a statement that said:
“The Kingwood High School Fillies absolutely are continuing as a dance team. The only change is that they will have a new director next school year. Schools make coaching and sponsor decisions on a yearly basis.”