IMPORTANT: June 16th School Board Meeting in Groves
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Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
While I understand your frustration and reaction, I respectfully ask that you not act so fast. Withdrawing financial support for the PN-G ABC, and then having the booster club struggle so that it eventually closes its doors, is exactly what some board members want to happen. They not only want to annoy Coach Faircloth with petty issues and create so much havoc that he leaves for greener pastures, they also want the PN-G ABC to disappear.
Everyone who cares about PN-GISD needs to attend next month’s school board meeting (June). If you read this post, please go to the board meeting and bring a friend with you. Educate yourself on the issues and attend the meetings. Listen to what is said and take notes about which board members support Coach Faircloth and those that do not. Those in the community that want Coach Faircloth to stay long term at PN-GISD as AD/HC, go to the school board meeting and voice your support. Bring other supporters with you. Write letters and send them to the Superintendent’s office. Call the board members – all of them. Go online to www.pngisd.org. Go to the tab for the Board of Trustees. Find the tab where you Meet the Board Members. Once the Team of Eight page is opened, there should be a link to contact board members. Do so. E-mail the board members separately and express your support for Coach Faircloth. Ask questions of the board about why some them want to scrutinize this particular coach when he has done everything asked of him: (1) He turned the program around; (2) season ticket sales are higher than they have been since the late 1970s; (3) revenue generated from the football program is better than it has been in many years; (4) creation of the PN-G ABC; (5) RBs, QBs, and WRs are re-writing the PN-G record books. Yet, some want to further cut the athletic budget and argue over stipends. Then there are those that take sniper shots from the sidelines. They want the issues discussed during closed sessions. Others want to take every athletic issue and turn it into a cause for defending teachers. News flash: Successful athletic programs can, and should, go hand in hand with successful academic programs. One does not exclude the other. If you care about PN-GISD and its kids, then go to the school board meetings. Let your voice be heard, especially at next month’s meeting. The June meeting will be important. The stipend issue and athletic budget will likely be discussed again. Hopefully, it will once again be discussed during the open forum and not during a closed session as some board members might prefer. Ask all of the board members to discuss the issue open and honestly. We need supporters to attend. Earlier this month, only seven or eight citizens attended. We need 100+ to attend and voice support in June. If you do not go and support Coach Faircloth at the next board meeting and he eventually leaves for a better opportunity, then you have no one to blame.
Those that already support the program 100%, I know this is mind boggling and frustrating. You are probably asking yourself, “Why is it that some who claim to love and support PN-GISD, why do they want to tear down what is good? If there is talent coming through the system during the next 3 to 5 years, then why not have Coach Faircloth take that talent deep into the playoffs?” I agree. But, do not be passive and presume all is well in Port Neches and Groves. There are those that do not want Coach Faircloth to be successful. Check the record books, he’s pretty good. If we push him out, then I guess we’ll return to run, run, pass, punt…play defense…and be satisfied with 5-5…but, hey, we will have the good’ol boy net work back in place. We can go back to having a WR coach that never played football. Or we can go back and focus on how well our OL and DB coaches teach technique while we get our rear-ends kicked 42-10. Move past that garbage and join the 21st Century.
But for the Dustin and Mike Long era where PN-G was 30-7, boosted by 1999’s 14-2 season, the program during the 1990s and early 2000s was up and down averaging 5-5 seasons. Teams like WO-S and Nederland did not scout PN-G. Why waste the time? Things never changed. Run, run, run some more, 3-step drop and throw a slant, 2-TE set and run student body left, student body right, or better yet, student body up the middle. Wait, 3 step drop and throw an out route. That was mediocre. Or, we could do even worse and return to the mid and late 1980s where 11W-35L-3T was put into the record books.
Leave Coach Faircloth alone and let him do his thing.
The end.
Go Indians. Peace.
justafan said:
While I understand your frustration and reaction, I respectfully ask that you not act so fast. Withdrawing financial support for the PN-G ABC, and then having the booster club struggle so that it eventually closes its doors, is exactly what some board members want to happen. They not only want to annoy Coach Faircloth with petty issues and create so much havoc that he leaves for greener pastures, they also want the PN-G ABC to disappear.
Everyone who cares about PN-GISD needs to attend next month’s school board meeting (June). If you read this post, please go to the board meeting and bring a friend with you. Educate yourself on the issues and attend the meetings. Listen to what is said and take notes about which board members support Coach Faircloth and those that do not. Those in the community that want Coach Faircloth to stay long term at PN-GISD as AD/HC, go to the school board meeting and voice your support. Bring other supporters with you. Write letters and send them to the Superintendent’s office. Call the board members – all of them. Go online to www.pngisd.org. Go to the tab for the Board of Trustees. Find the tab where you Meet the Board Members. Once the Team of Eight page is opened, there should be a link to contact board members. Do so. E-mail the board members separately and express your support for Coach Faircloth. Ask questions of the board about why some them want to scrutinize this particular coach when he has done everything asked of him: (1) He turned the program around; (2) season ticket sales are higher than they have been since the late 1970s; (3) revenue generated from the football program is better than it has been in many years; (4) creation of the PN-G ABC; (5) RBs, QBs, and WRs are re-writing the PN-G record books. Yet, some want to further cut the athletic budget and argue over stipends. Then there are those that take sniper shots from the sidelines. They want the issues discussed during closed sessions. Others want to take every athletic issue and turn it into a cause for defending teachers. News flash: Successful athletic programs can, and should, go hand in hand with successful academic programs. One does not exclude the other. If you care about PN-GISD and its kids, then go to the school board meetings. Let your voice be heard, especially at next month’s meeting. The June meeting will be important. The stipend issue and athletic budget will likely be discussed again. Hopefully, it will once again be discussed during the open forum and not during a closed session as some board members might prefer. Ask all of the board members to discuss the issue open and honestly. We need supporters to attend. Earlier this month, only seven or eight citizens attended. We need 100+ to attend and voice support in June. If you do not go and support Coach Faircloth at the next board meeting and he eventually leaves for a better opportunity, then you have no one to blame.
Those that already support the program 100%, I know this is mind boggling and frustrating. You are probably asking yourself, “Why is it that some who claim to love and support PN-GISD, why do they want to tear down what is good? If there is talent coming through the system during the next 3 to 5 years, then why not have Coach Faircloth take that talent deep into the playoffs?” I agree. But, do not be passive and presume all is well in Port Neches and Groves. There are those that do not want Coach Faircloth to be successful. Check the record books, he’s pretty good. If we push him out, then I guess we’ll return to run, run, pass, punt…play defense…and be satisfied with 5-5…but, hey, we will have the good’ol boy net work back in place. We can go back to having a WR coach that never played football. Or we can go back and focus on how well our OL and DB coaches teach technique while we get our rear-ends kicked 42-10. Move past that garbage and join the 21st Century.
But for the Dustin and Mike Long era where PN-G was 30-7, boosted by 1999’s 14-2 season, the program during the 1990s and early 2000s was up and down averaging 5-5 seasons. Teams like WO-S and Nederland did not scout PN-G. Why waste the time? Things never changed. Run, run, run some more, 3-step drop and throw a slant, 2-TE set and run student body left, student body right, or better yet, student body up the middle. Wait, 3 step drop and throw an out route. That was mediocre. Or, we could do even worse and return to the mid and late 1980s where 11W-35L-3T was put into the record books.
Leave Coach Faircloth alone and let him do his thing.
The end.
Go Indians. Peace.
IndianFan
Web Guy
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
It was not so long ago that a talented, motivated, and proven young coach arrived in Port Neches, and reignited the excitement of PN-G Indian football. From a program that seemingly wasted talent year after year, to an era of exciting, high scoring play that suddenly put PN-G back on the map. Fast forward 5 years and we're hearing that he's battling what probably represents the same backwards thinking that existed before he arrived.
Here's what a few Odessa Permian fans had to say back in 2009 regarding Faircloth being at PN-G.
And just so folks don't forget the excitement back in 2009...
It was not so long ago that a talented, motivated, and proven young coach arrived in Port Neches, and reignited the excitement of PN-G Indian football. From a program that seemingly wasted talent year after year, to an era of exciting, high scoring play that suddenly put PN-G back on the map. Fast forward 5 years and we're hearing that he's battling what probably represents the same backwards thinking that existed before he arrived.
Here's what a few Odessa Permian fans had to say back in 2009 regarding Faircloth being at PN-G.
You've got yourself a good one.......treat him right
And just so folks don't forget the excitement back in 2009...
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
I checked into the rumor about Faircloth being headhunted by another school with a player. According to him, the only contact Faircloth has had with other schools has been a series of meetings with coaches from different colleges. This doesn't mean it isn't true, but it seems to me that if Faircloth is being recruited to go elsewhere, the players don't know anything about it (and admittedly, that may be by intention).
Whatever the case may be, I think what's called for here are cooler heads and improved lines of communication. I think it's obvious that the coaches have probably earned the extra $12,000 a year, especially given the time and energy they put in and the fact that PN-G has both a small and underpaid coaching staff relative to other districts its size. That said, I can also understand fiscal prudence in an environment where the level of state funding is anything but assured, especially given that the $12,000 in question was paid out by mistake for four years. And on that note, I think we need to hear the lines of reasoning straight from the horses' mouths (that is, straight from Balsamo and Walters) before jumping to conclusions.
On an irrelevant but personally significant aside, I'm relieved to hear that Pizza Inn is still under the ownership of Mr. Broussard. ;D
I checked into the rumor about Faircloth being headhunted by another school with a player. According to him, the only contact Faircloth has had with other schools has been a series of meetings with coaches from different colleges. This doesn't mean it isn't true, but it seems to me that if Faircloth is being recruited to go elsewhere, the players don't know anything about it (and admittedly, that may be by intention).
Whatever the case may be, I think what's called for here are cooler heads and improved lines of communication. I think it's obvious that the coaches have probably earned the extra $12,000 a year, especially given the time and energy they put in and the fact that PN-G has both a small and underpaid coaching staff relative to other districts its size. That said, I can also understand fiscal prudence in an environment where the level of state funding is anything but assured, especially given that the $12,000 in question was paid out by mistake for four years. And on that note, I think we need to hear the lines of reasoning straight from the horses' mouths (that is, straight from Balsamo and Walters) before jumping to conclusions.
On an irrelevant but personally significant aside, I'm relieved to hear that Pizza Inn is still under the ownership of Mr. Broussard. ;D
ingainerYYZ
100+ Posts
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
Where did "paying out stipend by accident for the last four years" comment come from? I have never heard that this was an accident/mistake? So BF`s success has been an accident/mistake? How much more info. from the horse`s mouth do we all really need to hear?
Where did "paying out stipend by accident for the last four years" comment come from? I have never heard that this was an accident/mistake? So BF`s success has been an accident/mistake? How much more info. from the horse`s mouth do we all really need to hear?
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
As I stated in the post, the fact that the players don't know anything of it may very well be intentional, and is in no way proof that no such negotiations are taking place. This is merely an admission that I reached out to a source in the fieldhouse to try and confirm the rumor and wasn't able to do so. I'll also point out for the record that I have feelers out in a few other areas to try and confirm it as well.
With all due respect, however, I am curious to know how you came by this information. I trust my source - I've managed to confirm or invalidate several rumors with him before, and he has yet to be wrong. He was surprised by the prospect of Coach Faircloth leaving, and didn't seem to believe it. I'm sure you'll understand my skepticism over something that went around in a chain text message.
Fiscal prudence has nothing to do with an issue regarding a stipend that was paid out over four separate years after it was supposed to expire?
On that note, I know both Mr. Balsamo and Mr. Walters personally. And I know that Mr. Balsamo pays particular attention to matters where finances are concerned. I haven't yet had the opportunity to discuss this particular issue with him, but I do trust that he has the best interests of the district at heart, and I feel confident enough about my knowledge of his prior decisions to reason that he's probably reluctant to continue paying out an extra $12,000 a year out of financial concern for the district. We shouldn't forget that it was just four years ago that the district was faced with a significant financial shortfall.
In any case, this is exactly why I want to hear their opinions directly from them. I have a feeling that things would make a lot more sense were all sides fairly represented in this thread. Perhaps it would be beneficial if some of the school board members would participate the discussions here actively, so that we could see everything all at once (and yes, I say that fully aware of the way the site was abused by a current board member in the past).
It came from the post quoted below:
I've certainly never stated, or intended to imply, that Coach Faircloth's success at PN-G has been an accident or mistake. I was in high school for Coach Burnett's last two years and Coach Faircloth's first two. I know the amount of work Coach Faircloth put into turning around this program, and I have no doubts that he will continue to be highly successful going into the future because of his deliberate efforts.
The only issue at hand here hinges on three separate $4,000 stipends that were paid out in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and, I assume, up until this point in 2014, despite the fact that they were only supposed to be paid out in 2009. That's $12,000 a year for at least four years, or $48,000 sum total. I'm inclined to agree that the coaches deserve another $4,000 a year in their salaries because of the sheer amount of work they do and the success they've enjoyed, and there's no way I could ever agree that they should be required to pay a dime of that money back; regardless of whether the stipends become permanent raises, this is the district's accounting error and the district has to own up to it. All I'm saying here is that we shouldn't be rushing to conclusions about the intentions of certain board members simply because they raised issue with the mistaken payouts.
NDNbyChoice said:
As I stated in the post, the fact that the players don't know anything of it may very well be intentional, and is in no way proof that no such negotiations are taking place. This is merely an admission that I reached out to a source in the fieldhouse to try and confirm the rumor and wasn't able to do so. I'll also point out for the record that I have feelers out in a few other areas to try and confirm it as well.
With all due respect, however, I am curious to know how you came by this information. I trust my source - I've managed to confirm or invalidate several rumors with him before, and he has yet to be wrong. He was surprised by the prospect of Coach Faircloth leaving, and didn't seem to believe it. I'm sure you'll understand my skepticism over something that went around in a chain text message.
NDNbyChoice said:
Fiscal prudence has nothing to do with an issue regarding a stipend that was paid out over four separate years after it was supposed to expire?
On that note, I know both Mr. Balsamo and Mr. Walters personally. And I know that Mr. Balsamo pays particular attention to matters where finances are concerned. I haven't yet had the opportunity to discuss this particular issue with him, but I do trust that he has the best interests of the district at heart, and I feel confident enough about my knowledge of his prior decisions to reason that he's probably reluctant to continue paying out an extra $12,000 a year out of financial concern for the district. We shouldn't forget that it was just four years ago that the district was faced with a significant financial shortfall.
In any case, this is exactly why I want to hear their opinions directly from them. I have a feeling that things would make a lot more sense were all sides fairly represented in this thread. Perhaps it would be beneficial if some of the school board members would participate the discussions here actively, so that we could see everything all at once (and yes, I say that fully aware of the way the site was abused by a current board member in the past).
ingainerYYZ said:
It came from the post quoted below:
bark said:
ingainerYYZ said:
I've certainly never stated, or intended to imply, that Coach Faircloth's success at PN-G has been an accident or mistake. I was in high school for Coach Burnett's last two years and Coach Faircloth's first two. I know the amount of work Coach Faircloth put into turning around this program, and I have no doubts that he will continue to be highly successful going into the future because of his deliberate efforts.
The only issue at hand here hinges on three separate $4,000 stipends that were paid out in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and, I assume, up until this point in 2014, despite the fact that they were only supposed to be paid out in 2009. That's $12,000 a year for at least four years, or $48,000 sum total. I'm inclined to agree that the coaches deserve another $4,000 a year in their salaries because of the sheer amount of work they do and the success they've enjoyed, and there's no way I could ever agree that they should be required to pay a dime of that money back; regardless of whether the stipends become permanent raises, this is the district's accounting error and the district has to own up to it. All I'm saying here is that we shouldn't be rushing to conclusions about the intentions of certain board members simply because they raised issue with the mistaken payouts.
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
Alright, now I have different information telling me that the stipend wasn't a mistake for all those years, and that it was explicitly called for in the coaches' contracts. I also have separate information confirming that Coach Faircloth is being recruited by a Dallas area school district.
Well, that certainly changes things.
Alright, now I have different information telling me that the stipend wasn't a mistake for all those years, and that it was explicitly called for in the coaches' contracts. I also have separate information confirming that Coach Faircloth is being recruited by a Dallas area school district.
Well, that certainly changes things.
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
1989NDN, not a truer post has ever been penned to this board. We need an OVERWHELMING show of support for the entire coaching staff at the next meeting. It's important that they see that we are behind them, as well as to witness, first hand, how the board acts, and in the case of some, like Sullivan, how they sit there silent.
The $4K was a contact agreement made with Randall, so, Balsamo and Walters have no legal right to ask that it be removed... unless they do not perform as contract stated. It's my understanding that they held a vote, and those were the only 2 that voted to remove the $$. Let's do the math people!!! Faircloth is being harassed by some of the SB members, and It's going to stop.
1989NDN, not a truer post has ever been penned to this board. We need an OVERWHELMING show of support for the entire coaching staff at the next meeting. It's important that they see that we are behind them, as well as to witness, first hand, how the board acts, and in the case of some, like Sullivan, how they sit there silent.
The $4K was a contact agreement made with Randall, so, Balsamo and Walters have no legal right to ask that it be removed... unless they do not perform as contract stated. It's my understanding that they held a vote, and those were the only 2 that voted to remove the $$. Let's do the math people!!! Faircloth is being harassed by some of the SB members, and It's going to stop.
indianalways
100+ Posts
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
Hard to get kids involved in extra-curricular activities these days when the community turns a blind eye to the seemingly rampant alcohol and drug-fueled parties that happen every weekend. If I was sixteen and hung over as much as some of these kids are, I'd struggle to sit in a school desk all day, much less run a 40 yard dash in a decent time.
Let's stop beating around the bush and get to the root of the problem, PN-G has a history of alcohol and substance abuse in minors and while it's gone unmentioned for the better part of four decades, the community is now reaping what it has sowed. Disciplinary problems are at an all-time high, extra-curricular activity participation is at an all-time low, and so is school attendance.
If I still had kids in school, I'd be a little more worried about what "little Johnny" is doing this Saturday night, than whether or not the football coach is going to get an extra $4,000 this year.
It's time to wake up; our kids are engulfed in the "coolness" of mediocrity and codependency.
Let that marinate for a while.
charles carrier said:
Hard to get kids involved in extra-curricular activities these days when the community turns a blind eye to the seemingly rampant alcohol and drug-fueled parties that happen every weekend. If I was sixteen and hung over as much as some of these kids are, I'd struggle to sit in a school desk all day, much less run a 40 yard dash in a decent time.
Let's stop beating around the bush and get to the root of the problem, PN-G has a history of alcohol and substance abuse in minors and while it's gone unmentioned for the better part of four decades, the community is now reaping what it has sowed. Disciplinary problems are at an all-time high, extra-curricular activity participation is at an all-time low, and so is school attendance.
If I still had kids in school, I'd be a little more worried about what "little Johnny" is doing this Saturday night, than whether or not the football coach is going to get an extra $4,000 this year.
It's time to wake up; our kids are engulfed in the "coolness" of mediocrity and codependency.
Let that marinate for a while.
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
Running was OK during the late 1990's, when PNG was one of the largest AAAA high schools. In 1996, our first year back in AAAA, we had 1690 students in HS--the largest AAAA HS in the state. 40+ seniors were on varsity (I know; seniors could play varsity regardless). Now, at 1390 pupils, we are in the lower half, in terms of school size, and must use a creative approach to offense. BF is the man when it comes to moving the ball offensively AND developing QBs.
Also, BF is a very nice guy and a good role model.
Well written.1989NDN said:
Running was OK during the late 1990's, when PNG was one of the largest AAAA high schools. In 1996, our first year back in AAAA, we had 1690 students in HS--the largest AAAA HS in the state. 40+ seniors were on varsity (I know; seniors could play varsity regardless). Now, at 1390 pupils, we are in the lower half, in terms of school size, and must use a creative approach to offense. BF is the man when it comes to moving the ball offensively AND developing QBs.
Also, BF is a very nice guy and a good role model.
ingainerYYZ
100+ Posts
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
I agree Torino. Well said.
I agree Torino. Well said.
IndianFan
Web Guy
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
These guys are on the hunt...
http://www.planoeastpantherfootball.com/
These guys are on the hunt...
http://www.planoeastpantherfootball.com/
Re: May 12th board meeting in Groves
What some of you may not know is that Coach Faircloth has been the U-19 USA National Team head coach the last two years and also had Coach Cary as his OL coach with him. The team consisted of all D-1 players from across the country vs either an all international team or the Canadian National team with big wins of 42-10 and 43-7 against both teams using a lot of the same plays we currently run. I believe that if they National team picked him to coach the team out of so many other coaches across the US that he is more than worthy to be head coach at PNG and we should support him and the team as such. I just hope we can keep him here long enough with the great young group of players we have coming through right now to get back to state again. Here is a link to a short video about the 2013 international bowl to give you a understanding of what level Coach Faircloth is coaching at: 2013 International Bowl Documentary | USA Football
What some of you may not know is that Coach Faircloth has been the U-19 USA National Team head coach the last two years and also had Coach Cary as his OL coach with him. The team consisted of all D-1 players from across the country vs either an all international team or the Canadian National team with big wins of 42-10 and 43-7 against both teams using a lot of the same plays we currently run. I believe that if they National team picked him to coach the team out of so many other coaches across the US that he is more than worthy to be head coach at PNG and we should support him and the team as such. I just hope we can keep him here long enough with the great young group of players we have coming through right now to get back to state again. Here is a link to a short video about the 2013 international bowl to give you a understanding of what level Coach Faircloth is coaching at: 2013 International Bowl Documentary | USA Football
NEXT GAMEDAY
5A DII REGIONAL ROUND
PN-G Indians (11-1)
vs.
Texas High Tigers (12-0)
Friday, Nov. 29, 7:00PM
Northwestern State University Turpin Stadium, Natchitoches, LA
PN-G INDIANS FOOTBALL
I could not be more proud of our team and our community. The spirit here is unmatched! I am so lucky to be a part of it and to wear the purple and white! The journey of this football season, with these coaches and our players, will stay with me forever. -- PN-G Head Coach Jeff Joseph
