Parents and students urge board to keep Floyd Central technical-theater classes, citing safety and leadership benefits

Dozens of parents, students and alumni urged the New Albany-Floyd County Board of School Trustees on June 8 to preserve Floyd Central High School's technical-theater program and to reverse proposed reductions in class sections.

Malia Stroud, speaking for Floyd Central's theater tech department, said proposed cuts that would reduce technical-theater classes from four to two would limit hands-on learning and leadership opportunities. "Technical theater is very hands on," she said, and larger classes would make workshop-style instruction and safety oversight unrealistic.

Several speakers echoed that theme. Parent Betsy Downs, a former district teacher, said larger sections would reduce individualized instruction and raise safety concerns when students use woodworking tools and build set pieces. Student Becca Downs warned that increased class sizes could raise the risk of injuries; recent graduate Bailey Gilbert described how the program created leadership opportunities that contributed to state and national recognition.

Speakers repeatedly credited technical director Andrew Walker and director Brooklyn Chalfont with restoring the program's quality. Parent Robert Hedrick said the program had returned to a "gold standard" under Walker's leadership, and students such as Anna Green and Marita Smith described Walker's hands-on instruction, collaborative approach and award-winning outcomes.

Board members did not take an immediate vote on staffing or scheduling changes during the public-comment period. The board's consent agenda and several personnel actions were considered later in the meeting; next steps on specific class reductions were not detailed during the evening.

Speakers and community members said they want the board to weigh safety, student development and the program's regional reputation before finalizing staffing and course schedules.