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Students and community members urge RCPS to add medical careers course; theater community objects to shared director plan
Summary
Public commenters at the May 12 meeting urged the district to create a medical health professions elective and criticized a plan to have one theater director split duties between William Fleming and Patrick Henry, saying the shared assignment would overload teachers and harm programs.
Three speakers used the citizen‑participation period to press the board on two issues. Susanna Shed (S12), who identified herself as Miss Roanoke Valley 2026, asked the district to create a medical and health‑professions elective geared to middle and high school students, arguing workforce shortages justify more career exposure and hands‑on shadowing opportunities.
"Experts predict a global healthcare workforce shortage by 10,000,000 by 2030," Shed said, urging the district to present students with the many medical career options and to expand pathways beyond existing CNA and EMT certification programs.
Two speakers from William Fleming — student Reagan Corpening (S19) and theater member Erin Thompson (S20) — urged the board to reconsider a staffing plan that would have one teacher serve as theater director for both Fleming and Patrick Henry. They said the single teacher would be asked to direct four productions across two schools, commute between campuses and be unable to give either program adequate attention.
The board thanked the speakers and reiterated established practice that the board and superintendent generally do not respond to public comments during that period, but officials noted they value public input and will consider community feedback in staffing and program decisions.
