Parents and Students Urge Evergreen Public Schools to Keep Theater Electives

Parents, students and community members urged the Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors on May 13 to reverse or reconsider cuts to theater and related arts electives, saying the programs provide belonging, social supports and career pathways for students.

Speakers told the board that theater classes are a ‘‘safe space’’ for students and that removing those classes will disproportionately affect students who cannot participate in after‑school activities. Student Corey Taub said, "For me and many of my classmates, theater isn't just an elective, it's a safe space. It's a place where we can express, create, and grow freely." Parent Dana Taub said her daughter's success in school stemmed from theater and said she had voted for a levy that was represented as funding enrichment programs.

The public-comment period is reserved for members of the community to address the board; the board does not typically engage in extended dialogue during that time. The board heard three public commenters on the subject but did not take a policy vote or direct staff to restore classes during the meeting.

Commenters described several kinds of harms they associate with cutting theater: reduced opportunities for students who cannot afford out‑of‑school programs, loss of social and emotional supports, and loss of exposure that feeds participation in extracurricular theater. Student Corey Taub described theater's role in mental‑health support: "The first step to suicide prevention is creating a community where depression doesn't thrive. Creating a community that listens, understands, and relies on each other. And that's what theater is." A senior who joined theater this year told board members through a student quote that a single class and one teacher had “changed [his] life.”

Speakers also raised concerns about related elective cuts, citing losses in technical programs and pathways that connect to careers. Parent Catherine Furtick said theater, librarianship and technical classes build attendance and retention for students who otherwise lack connections to school.

Board members acknowledged hearing the commenters and said they would consider the concerns. One board member said they were not aware of any confirmed cuts to theater for next year; no formal commitment or vote to restore programs was made at the May 13 meeting. The matter remains within district staffing and budgeting processes.

Copies of public comments are part of the meeting record; the board will consider policy and budget questions in later agenda items and meetings.