Oley Valley parents push school board on drama club status

Written by Marge Rumbaugh

Oley Township, PA —

The Oley Valley High School drama club drama produced support from the school board Wednesday night, when two parents told the board they were concerned that the issue had not been a topic on any school board agenda and they didn’t know the program’s status for this school year.

A group of three Oley Valley High School seniors filed a defamation lawsuit in federal court in May against the school district, alleging that the musical’s director, Stacy Lyons, and other members of the administration retaliated against them after they raised concerns about Lyons at a school board meeting.

The school last month asked the federal judge to dismiss the retaliation lawsuit. In the meantime, parents and students are left wondering if there will be a school play this year.

Oley resident Christina Hughes, a drama club sponsor, asked the board if the drama program is still on, because there have been no notifications about upcoming auditions.

What do we need to do to save the program?” she asked.

She said she’s concerned that it would be detrimental to take the program from students, and could impact college applications for some seniors.

“Please don’t do that to the kids,” she said. “Give these kids some answers.”

Susan Lackey and her son Asa Lackey also attended the board meeting to express concern.

“We are all aware of the recent legal issues, and putting those aside we feel that the program needs to continue under the guidance and leadership of Lyons,” Susan Lackey said.

“We cannot argue the huge success of the program as seen by ticket sales, sold-out shows, community support and fundraising,” she added.

Board President David R. Pollock Jr. assured her that the board has not had any discussions to eliminate the drama club.

“We support the drama club wholeheartedly, and we expect another good show” this year,” Pollock said.

Board members Ralph Richard and Robert A. Heckman echoed Pollock’s support. Heckman mentioned that a large percentage of the student body participates in the play, and “we support that.”

Dr. Tracy S. Shank, superintendent, added that the district advertised a musical director position vacancy in May and, as of Wednesday, only one person had submitted an application. The board will approve a musical director at the September meeting. Lyons was hired as a supplemental staffer to direct last school year’s play; she did not resign, but would need to reapply to be considered again for the post.

In other business, the board heard a report from Jenn Hoffman, an elementary school STEM integration teacher, about the program’s summer camps. She said about 60 students from second through sixth grades participated, and learned to integrate English and language arts with technology and explore how to tell a story without words. Middle school students acted as mentors and designed an indoor obstacle course.

The board also amended the superintendent’s contract, voting 7-1 to give Shank a 3% salary increase effective July 1. Board member Dawn E. Zackon voted no. Board member Stuart Salen was absent. Zackon declined to elaborate on why she voted against the raise, citing personnel confidentiality.

Contact the City Desk: 610-371-5012 or news@readingeagle.com.