Petition calls for school officials to reconsider move
By Bobbi Pippin
Bryan Richerson learned he had been terminated as the Fannin County Rebels head basketball coach within hours of the team’s annual banquet.
Richerson was informed of the decision Friday, March 22, by school officials that he would not be back next season. Thursday night, the team had celebrated their successful 2023-24 season that included a trip to post-season competition.
Richerson has coached basketball at Fannin County since 2019. Richerson said, “It’s an unfortunate decision that effects my family and the kids around here.” He said that the only reasoning he was given was that the school board had decided to go in a different direction. He added, “people can speculate.”
News of Richerson’s termination sent shock waves through the basketball community. A petition was started on Change.org to oppose the termination, calling it unjust and not representative of community values. The petition asked the board to reconsider the decision.
Multiple attempts were made to reach the individual whose name was identified as the author of the petition, however that person failed to respond. As of Monday, March 25, the petition had 309 signatures.
Members of the Fannin County Board of Education would not release any information as to why Richerson was terminated.
School Superintendent Shannan Dillard said, “I can’t comment on personnel matters.”
School Board member Terry Bramlett echoed the same comment.
The Rebels finished this year’s season ranked second in Region 7AA and earned their first trip to postseason competition in 17 years.