Though apparently not popular with students, the decisions not
to invite drama teacher Kurt Meeker back to teach at Gilroy High
School next year clearly demonstrated good judgment.
Though apparently not popular with students, the decisions not to invite drama teacher Kurt Meeker back to teach at Gilroy High School next year clearly demonstrated good judgment.
In the wake of the recent raunchy drama showcases that Meeker allowed his students to perform, it was really the only decision GUSD could make.
Meeker, who has taught at GHS for four years as a partially credentialed non-permanent instructor, was in charge of a drama event that included references to oral sex, crude and foul language and venereal disease.
Surprisingly, Meeker couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about.
He really left the school district no choice: they had to let him go. Parents entrust their children to the teachers of Gilroy High School for an education in literature, grammar, mathematics and science. It should go without saying that taxpayers and parents expect to fund and receive age-appropriate curriculum, not have Gilroy students learn to audition for a “Skinemax,” er “Cinemax,” role. High school content doesn’t need to be Puritanical, but it shouldn’t require a parental advisory either. The two extremes leave a wide range of challenging, interesting and appropriate topics for drama classes.
The fact that Meeker didn’t grasp that before the Showcase speaks volumes.
But, the regrettable situation presents Gilroy High School with an opportunity to revamp the current mediocre drama program into one that rises to the high standards set by the school’s fine choir and band programs.
South Valley is a community blessed with theatrical talent. Gilroy High School should have a top-flight drama curriculum. We urge Gilroy officials to tap into that talent to find a fully credentialed, dedicated, enthusiastic drama instructor who’s committed to restoring the luster to the GHS drama department.
Let’s limit the damage done to GHS’s reputation by the sleazy Showcase skits by quickly rebuilding the drama department into a program that enhances the school’s status.
