Community Outraged Over Northside High Football Coach Firing

Jacarde Carter, a 2009 Northside graduate, was terminated as both head football coach and as a teacher at the school.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The sudden firing of Northside High School's head football coach, Jacarde Carter, is sparking strong reaction from members of the community. Carter says he was informed that recent social media posts criticizing the lack of investment in Northside High's facilities were the reason for his dismissal. Rebekah Vallot, a former Lafayette Parish School System employee and child advocate, expressed concerns about how the decision was handled and the timing of the termination.

Why it matters

Coaches play an important role in students' lives beyond athletics, and the community is concerned about the district's decision to fire Carter, who they say gave extra time to students. The timing of the decision has also raised questions about whether it was a strategy to make an example that "everyone is expendable."

The details

Jacarde Carter, a 2009 Northside graduate, was terminated as both head football coach and as a teacher at the school. Carter says he was informed that recent social media posts criticizing the lack of investment in Northside High's facilities were the reason for his dismissal. Rebekah Vallot, a former Lafayette Parish School System employee and child advocate, expressed concerns about how the decision was handled and the timing of the termination, stating that "once we start taking speech away, especially because we can't see what's happening inside the schools, how are we supposed to know anything?" Vallot also questioned whether the decision was a strategy by the district to make an example that "everyone is expendable."

  • Jacarde Carter was terminated as head football coach and teacher at Northside High School on February 28, 2026.

The players

Jacarde Carter

A 2009 Northside High School graduate who was terminated as both head football coach and as a teacher at the school.

Rebekah Vallot

A former Lafayette Parish School System employee and child advocate who expressed concerns about how the decision to fire Jacarde Carter was handled and the timing of the termination.

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What they’re saying

“Once we start taking speech away, especially because we can't see what's happening inside the schools, how are we supposed to know anything? Truth is coming out of those buildings. And now we're going to fire a coach for simply advocating for his kids.”

— Rebekah Vallot, Former Lafayette Parish School System employee and child advocate (klfy.com)

“Coaching is extra on the side of teaching. So this man gave extra time of his to students that he didn't need to. How could you not love Coach Carter?”

— Rebekah Vallot, Former Lafayette Parish School System employee and child advocate (klfy.com)

What’s next

The Lafayette Parish School System has not publicly released details about the specific policy violation tied to Jacarde Carter's termination. The community is awaiting more information about the district's decision and the reasons behind it.

The takeaway

This case highlights the important role that coaches play in students' lives and the community's concerns about the district's decision-making process. It raises questions about free speech, transparency, and whether the termination was a strategy to send a message about job security in the district.