By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Many parents and students are taking to social media to voice their disappointment in the sudden termination of the long-time Color Guard coach at North Platte High School.
With restrictions in place, many cheerleading squads, dance teams, singing groups, and other school teams and organizations have had to hold auditions virtually via video and other forms of technology.
North Platte High School Color Guard Coach Shannon Hudson decided to get a little bit creative, while still complying with social distancing guidelines.
According to numerous sources, students who were interested in auditioning for the Color Guard team, which performs with flags and other elements alongside the NPHS Marching Band at football games and other events, were able to sign up for an audition time.
At their scheduled time, the student would arrive at Hudson's home and perform their audition at the end of her driveway while Hudson recorded from a safe distance away.
Students were scheduled one at a time, and at no time were social distancing guidelines violated, according to parents and students. The videos were then to be sent to Brett Bradley, NPHS band instructor, for review so that he and Hudson could select the 2020/2021 NPHS Color Guard Team.
According to one parent, North Platte Public Schools administrators learned of the audition process and immediately began the process of terminating Hudson from her coaching position. School officials reportedly stated that Hudson had violated policies and guidelines that have been implemented due to the coronavirus outbreak.
On Monday, Bradley notified NPHS Band families of the termination via email.
Bradley stated that Hudson had been relieved of her coaching duties effective immediately and asked anyone who may see Hudson to thank her for her years of service.
Hudson was on the NPHS Color Guard team for three years as a student and had coached the team for the past 18 years.
We have reached out to Hudson for comment, she has not responded.
North Platte Public Schools officials said via email, "Out of courtesy to all parties involved NPPSD does not comment on any personnel matter to those who are not directly involved."
Numerous parents stated that they plan to voice their concerns about Hudson's termination at the regularly scheduled North Platte Public Schools Board of Education meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m.