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Parents and students urge Sachem board to reinstate drama teacher Michael DiPerzio
Summary
Several parents, students and alumni used the public‑comment period to urge the board to reinstate drama teacher Michael DiPerzio, crediting him with improving students’ confidence, mental health and academic outcomes.
Multiple speakers used the public‑comment period to urge the Sachem Central School District Board of Education to reconsider personnel actions affecting drama teacher Michael DiPerzio. Parent Jennifer Buono described her son’s experience in DiPerzio’s classes and said the teacher helped her son find a passion for theater and improved his writing; she closed by thanking the board for listening.
Students and former students detailed how DiPerzio’s classes and the drama club provided social and academic supports. A student, Jillian Kercher, said the drama club helped her through a period of poor mental health and asked the board: "Please reinstate mister DiPerzio." Other parents said removing DiPerzio would harm students who rely on arts classes for confidence and mental‑health support.
Speakers also requested that the district investigate making theater a recognized tenure area so that drama positions have long‑term stability. District administrators confirmed that New York State now recognizes a theater tenure track and that the district had researched that change.
