At Monday, Night's school board meeting there were some unhappy parents and girls softball players.  They had heard that their favorite coach, Coach Mize, contract was up for renewal and it was not going to be renewed.  These parents and grandparents showed up to express their support of Coach Mize and his family.  The school board President, Jordan Mills allowed a spokesperson to speak for the group since this was not an item on the agenda.  Deborah Skinner was the spokesperson and this is what she had to say:

This is a Petition to keep Coach Jason Mize as the Dumas Demonette's Head Softball Coach at Dumas High School.  Coach Mize's Contract was not renewed by the Dumas Independent School District. Coach Mize is also a Health teacher at Dumas High School and coached Freshmen Boys Football. Dumas is in desperate need for a Coach with Coach Mize's work ethic and rapport with the girls. If you would come to a game and watch Coach Mize with the girls you would see a completely different program and attitude than last year. Coach Mize demands respect and respects his players. Good grades are just as important to Coach Mize as a girl's softball abilities. Coach Mize is not only teaching these girls the basics of softball but he is preparing them to be hardworking, successful members of society. Coach Mize has been teaching the girls about skills such as self-discipline, mental toughness, teamwork, accountability, time management, respect for their elders and other critical areas that will help them in their future endeavors. As a parent I have had the opportunity to travel with the team to the Brownsboro Tournament and see firsthand the dedication he gives of himself to mentor these young women. A Coach can not be expected to come in and completely turn a program around in just one year. They need to be given the time and opportunity to build a good program. It will take time and effort on all sides to make the Dumas Softball program a program that will be recognized in the Panhandle and state-wide as a respected softball force. Coach Mize is using techniques used by successful Division I colleges to improve the Demonette Softball program. Also his wife, Jessica Mize, who is a teacher at the Dumas Intermediate School (5th Grade Reading) helps out at the practices and games as a pitching instructor. She played for Seton Hall as a Division I pitcher for the Pirates. The Mize family has come to Dumas to better our community and raise a family. I am asking that you sign your name below if you agree that Coach Mize should be given a second chance to do what he came here to do.  This is to build a super softball program in Dumas.

Deborah Skinner

Deborah did find out that contracts were being voted on at this school board meeting that night and it would be to late to circulate a petition.  Several others got to share about Coach Mize in the ten minutes allotted to them to share their concerns.  This group of parents were very respectful and eloquently spoke to the school board.