Parents urge clearer review process for mature play 'Urinetown' and suggest additions to 7th‑grade history curriculum

Two patrons used the public comment period to raise distinct concerns about district programming and curriculum.

Manny Gonzalez, a parent and community member, began by praising school arts opportunities but said the recent high school production 'Urinetown' included scenes that some families found offensive. Gonzalez said portions of the production appeared to mock Christian faith (describing a Pentecostal‑style scene used for humor), contained repeated expletives and values‑laden statements, and included depictions of political or corporate violence he deemed inappropriate for a school stage. He asked the board not to censor the arts but to establish a clearer, transparent selection process with criteria for age appropriateness, balance, and respect for religious convictions; he also asked for stronger content advisories and earlier parent communication.

Jan Brill, a former high school teacher, commended the district’s outreach in the curriculum review process but said the proposed seventh‑grade American history curriculum still lacks coverage of subjects she believes are important, such as the triangular trade and the Electoral College. She described recent revisions as an improvement and encouraged continued community engagement in the review process.

Why it matters: Public comment flagged both cultural sensitivity in school productions and specific content gaps in curriculum, topics that often prompt follow‑up from administration and can inform future policy or communication practice.

Next steps: The board did not act during the meeting; patrons were reminded that the board takes comments under advisement and may invite follow‑up or request meetings with staff in executive session if appropriate.