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Parents and students urge board to restore theater CTE access after counselors removed option
Summary
Multiple parents and students told the Lapeer board the Emily City theater arts pathway appeared on course materials but was later denied; they asked for reconsideration, said they received no explanation, and warned students are considering other schools as a result.
Parents and students urged the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education to reinstate access to a hybrid Emily City theater career-and-technical-education pathway after counselors told them the option was not available.
Parent Bobby Bartlett told the board his daughter — a sophomore and competitive performer — was shown a college-credited theater option at an assembly but was later told by counselors that ‘‘it’s not offered. You will not have that class. Find something else.’’ Bartlett said five juniors and seniors want the program and that he has received ‘‘no response’’ to multiple emails to board members and the superintendent.
Student Rachel Bartlett said theater appeared on the registration paperwork but was removed at sign-up, leaving students who want theater coursework with no in-district option. She said counselors gave her an edtech application but then told her the program ‘‘is no longer available to us students here this year.’’
Parent Charles House, who described himself as a former theater participant, said the decision appeared ‘‘unilateral’’ and asked the board to reconsider, warning it may drive students to exercise school choice if the pathway remains closed.
What they asked for: petitioned reconsideration of the district’s refusal or at least a clear explanation; parents offered to assist with transportation and support. Bartlett said the Emily City program provides dance, acting and vocational credits while allowing students to remain enrolled in Lapeer and participate in Lapeer productions.
Board response and next steps: the superintendent said he will contact public commenters individually in the coming days to follow up. The meeting record does not show a motion, vote, or formal staff directive to reinstate the program at that session.
Why it matters: families said the denial limits career pathways and college-preparatory opportunities for students pursuing performing arts. Parents urged the board to weigh student access and the district’s stated ‘‘district of choice’’ message when deciding whether to allow the external CTE placement.
