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Students urge board to recognize Fort Lee High School dramatic/improv group; superintendent promises follow-up
Summary
Students told the board their long-running improv/drama group has met weekly since 2017, has about 30 members and risks losing stipend support without formal recognition; the superintendent said club formation requires a paid adviser and union approval and he will follow up with union leadership and building staff.
At the Fort Lee Board of Education meeting a junior, Jack Robertson, asked trustees to formally recognize Fort Lee High Schools longstanding dramatic/improv group so it can receive the district stipend that other campus clubs get.
"We are all members of Fort Lee High School's Traumatic Interruptive group," Robertson said, describing weekly meetings since 2017 and performances at school events. He said the group was told this morning that, without a supervisor, it would be placed on hiatus and that losing the $2,000 stipend would jeopardize the club's ability to continue.
Students who spoke said the program provides social and emotional benefits, fosters public speaking and creativity, and includes about 30 members. Several students described individual gains from participating and asked the board to expedite recognition or clarify the steps necessary to be an official club.
Superintendent Dr. Kravis responded that district policy and the collective-bargaining agreement require a teacher adviser for any stipend position and that adviser positions are posted per contract; he said the administration was not previously aware of this group being listed on the contract and pledged to meet with union leadership and review documentation. "We'll speak to the union tomorrow morning," he said, and invited students to email him for follow-up.
Board members acknowledged the group's history and urged administration to review the paperwork and consider fast-tracking recognition if an eligible adviser volunteers. The superintendent emphasized safety and vetting for advisers and said the district could expedite the process if contract and safety requirements are met.
The board committed to follow up with the union and provide answers to the students after that meeting.
