Merrill student tells school board keeping choir teacher Scott matters to students' wellbeing

Rory Gates, a 10th‑grade student, told the Merrill Area School District Board of Education on April 16 that students want the board to keep the choir program and the current choir teacher, “Mister Scott.” Gates spoke during the meeting’s public comment period at the MAPS Boardroom.

Gates said many former choir students continue to value Scott’s instruction and mentorship. “I am here to express our concerns about your decisions regarding the music department's future and our current teacher, mister Scott,” Gates said. He told the board that “30 out of 38 prior students feel the very same way about our own mister Scott,” and described Scott as “contagious, optimistic” and “a hard worker who cares for every student individually.”

Gates recounted examples of Scott’s support, including extra audition coaching and personal advice that Gates said reduced stress in a workplace conflict. He concluded by saying he aspires to “take after mister Scott” and asked the board to consider students’ perspectives. Emily Raymer followed Gates at the microphone and answered clarifying questions from board members.

The comments took place during the 15‑minute public comment block that the board sets aside at the start of regular meetings. Members of the public were reminded that board members do not normally respond during public comment and that, as noted earlier in the meeting, “further actions could possibly take be taken in the future if it goes through committee and comes back on another agenda item.” No formal board action on the choir program or staffing was recorded in the meeting minutes for April 16.

Board members did not make a policy decision during the public comment period; the remarks were taken for the record and may be considered in future committee or agenda processes.