Superintendent's Corner

Recently I had to make a decision that I didn’t want to make. I knew the decision to never have a school-sponsored bonfire again would be very unpopular. Previously, our insurance company warned schools about this type of event, which has a very high risk for injury and property damage. We continued to have bonfires anyway, assuming we could do it safely. With all of the adults who participate in the event, we felt it was a tradition we did not want to alter.

Last spring, the bonfire was tampered with by having someone put projectiles in the pile. We then burned the bonfire during school hours so students would not be tempted to be present. The fire got so hot it damaged our neighbor’s property. We had to file an insurance claim, and subsequently we were told we would not be covered if there was ever another school-sponsored bonfire held on school grounds.

Homecoming will be here in a couple of weeks and I know it will be a disappointment to the students and community not to have a bonfire. Odessa principal Jamie Nelson is working with the student body representatives to add numerous other fun activities to make the 2014 homecoming memorable for our students. The classes will have competitions, the girls will play powder puff football, and the boys will have a special event.

We know many from the community have come out to enjoy the bonfire. You are instead invited to the Homecoming Week activities being held Thursday evening, October 9, on the football field. We hope you will come out to support the students as they begin a new Titan tradition. Of course, we also hope you make the football game on Friday night at 7 p.m. GO TITANS!