FORT SMITH, Ark. — Felix Curry, the former head football coach at Northside High School in Fort Smith, has been reassigned to a different position within the district, sparking discussions about the reasons behind the decision. Allen Marshall, the chief communications and engagement officer for Fort Smith Public Schools, confirmed the reassignment but did not provide specific reasons, citing district policy on personnel matters.
Before his reassignment, Curry served as head football coach since 2022 and had previously worked as the defensive coordinator and head boys track coach at Northside. According to district records, Curry’s annual salary was listed at $114,438, and his contract acknowledged the superintendent’s authority to reassign duties in the best interests of the district.
The reassignment has prompted various reactions, including speculation about potential racial motivations. School board member Talicia Richardson hinted at racial factors, pointing out that Curry was the first Black head football coach at the school. Richardson praised Curry’s role as a mentor, emphasizing his efforts to build character and leadership among his students.
Curry’s legal representative, Joey McCutchen, claims that the reasons behind the reassignment remain unclear. McCutchen alleges that despite a meeting with school officials, Curry was not informed of the specific factors that influenced their decision. He criticized the lack of transparency and respect in handling Curry’s situation, asserting that the former coach deserved a clear explanation for the sudden change.
During a recent school board meeting, the community showed significant support for Curry. Several attendees voiced their support and two attempted to yield their speaking time to him. However, the school board president, Dalton Person, enforced a rule that prevented Curry from speaking due to an ongoing grievance procedure. McCutchen, who also tried to speak on his client’s behalf, was asked to leave the meeting and was escorted out by a school district officer.
The community and Curry’s legal team are calling for fair treatment and the reinstatement of Curry to his former position, arguing that the district should make decisions in a manner that respects the individuals involved and the community’s values.
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