News Summary
A Braswell High School student, Dustin Sharp, has called for the removal of football coach Kent Laster, citing allegations of toxic leadership. Speaking at a DISD board meeting, Sharp detailed the negative impact of Laster’s coaching style on student-athletes, supported by a petition with nearly 400 signatures. The situation has raised concerns about the effect of leadership in high school sports and the urgent need for a healthier environment for students. Denton ISD has initiated a grievance process regarding Laster’s conduct, emphasizing the importance of addressing these serious allegations.
Denton, Texas – A student at Braswell High School is urging the Denton Independent School District (DISD) to remove the school’s football coach, Kent Laster, amid allegations of toxic leadership within the program. Dustin Sharp, a 17-year-old student preparing for his senior year, took the opportunity to speak at the public comment session during the board meeting on Tuesday night.
During his three-minute speech, Sharp detailed his concerns regarding Coach Laster’s leadership style. He claimed that the current environment within the football program is toxic, leading to student-athletes feeling demoralized and even quitting the team. Sharp further described Laster’s approach as “manipulative and demoralizing,” stating that it has not fostered a positive or encouraging atmosphere for the athletes.
Supporting his request for Laster’s removal, Sharp submitted a petition that collected nearly 400 signatures from fellow students and community members. The petition highlights the widespread dissatisfaction among students regarding the football coach’s management and interaction with team members.
Alongside Sharp, two supporters—a former football player and a current athlete from Braswell High—attended the board meeting with their families to show solidarity with his cause. The attendance of these supporters underscores the impact of Laster’s leadership on the student body and the urgency of the situation as expressed by Sharp.
Attempts to reach Coach Laster for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone inquiries. In response to the evolving situation, Denton ISD has indicated that a grievance has been filed concerning Coach Laster’s conduct at the Braswell campus. However, specifics of the grievance were not disclosed by the district, citing employee privacy as a reason for withholding detailed information.
Denton ISD has established a grievance procedure that initiates at the campus level. If issues remain unresolved, the process allows for escalation to the district. The district’s protocol is designed to ensure that concerns are handled formally and with consideration for all parties involved.
While it remains unclear if Sharp’s concerns are being addressed in private, the district’s approach to handling grievances indicates that they are taking the matter seriously. The board meeting marked a significant moment for Sharp, who aims to create a healthier and more positive environment for student-athletes at Braswell High School.
The issue ultimately reflects broader concerns about leadership in high school sports and the critical role it plays in shaping student-athlete experiences. Toxic leadership can have lasting effects on participants’ mental health and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of supportive coaching in youth sports.
As the district navigates the grievance process, the support from students and families may influence future decisions regarding Coach Laster’s position. The outcome remains to be seen, but the call for improved leadership within the team’s structure is clear from the growing number of voices advocating for change.
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Additional Resources
- WFAA: Denton ISD Senior Urges Removal of Football Coach
- WFAA Video: Denton ISD Student Calls for Coach’s Removal
- Star-Telegram: Denton ISD Football Coach Under Fire
- KCTV5: Former KU Football Coach Takes High School Job in Texas
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- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: High School Athletics Coaching Practices
- Google Scholar: Coaching Styles and Student Wellbeing in High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports
- Google News: Denton ISD Football Coach Removal
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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
