Hollister
– Around 20 theater students attended the San Benito High School
board of trustees meeting Wednesday evening in support of their
drama teacher, Christina Plank.
Hollister – Around 20 theater students attended the San Benito High School board of trustees meeting Wednesday evening in support of their drama teacher, Christina Plank.
The students came to speak on behalf of Plank, who has not been rehired by the district as the high school’s drama teacher for 2007-08, according to her students.
“We’re here to support Ms. Plank. We strongly disagree with their decision – we’re heartbroken,” said Monica Aranda, 16, a sophomore advanced theater student.
Plank was notified last week that the district was not asking her back, and she informed her classes on Friday she would not be returning. Because Plank is a probationary teacher, the district does not have to give a reason for her release. Plank began teaching at the school in fall 2005.
Mike Potmesil, the director of human resources for SBHS, said he could not confirm who had not been rehired, and could only state that all probationary staff members had been notified by March 15.
Seven students, a parent and a community member addressed the school board about the effect Plank has had on the drama department.
The students also presented the board with a petition for the rehiring of Plank with 150 student signatures and a list of her accomplishments for the drama department.
“Ms. Plank is an incredible teacher. I can’t think you guys would know that because you’re not in her class every day,” sophomore Dina Silva said.
The students pointed out the development of the International Thespians Society at the high school and the numerous acting festivals the school had competed in as evidence of the drama department’s improvement under Plank’s leadership.
Several students spoke out of concern for the state of the drama department, fearing the move would create instability within the program. Greg Smith, a senior, pointed out that he had looked back at old yearbooks and noticed that the school has had six drama teachers over the past 10 years.
“She’s done a lot for the kids and the department,” said Debbie Pivetti, who has a sophomore at the high school. “My fear is that the drama department will fall apart and they’ll just get rid of it.”
The school board could not respond to the students’ statements because they were not a part of the agenda. The board is also not at liberty to discuss personnel matters, School Board President Bill Tiffany informed the speakers.
“If you’re wondering why we’re not responding, it’s because legally we’re not able to do that,” Tiffany said. “But we are listening.”
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at [email protected].
