Wilmot staff present theater safety plan to board; formal approval scheduled for Nov. 20

District staff presented a draft theater safety plan intended to consolidate procedures for performances, define responsibilities and provide a single reference document for staff and volunteers. "The objective in creating the theater safety plan was to review our safety procedures, coordinate responsibilities, and provide a document for future reference," Dan Bender said during the presentation.

Bender said the draft is structured like a checklist that "dictates who's responsible for what area" and that the committee used sources from other schools, universities and private organizations while soliciting input from the theater director and building-and-grounds leadership. Staff characterized much of the content as not new practices but as clarified procedures and assignment of ownership to ensure the plan is implemented as designed.

Board members raised concerns that the draft places heavy responsibility on the theater director. A board member asked whether the plan "puts a lot of pressure on her," prompting staff to note that some duties are already written by the theater director because of their direct knowledge of performances but that stipend positions and additional helpers are being discussed to distribute tasks. Staff said the plan will be presented for approval at the Nov. 20 board meeting. No approval vote is recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.

The board did not vote on the plan in the excerpt; staff framed the presentation as a step before formal board consideration and indicated follow-up on role distribution and supports.