Nearly 40 I.S. 119 students sat in at the year’s first Community Education Council 24 meeting to protest the dismissal of their beloved drama teacher, Evan Behlivanis. Students, teachers, alumni and parents pleaded with the members of council to take note of how many lives the drama teacher has touched and demanded CEC 24 take action.
UFT District 24 representative, Rosemary Parker, opened the floor with a speech that brought several students to tears. “I say shame on the DOE (Department of Education) because this is a great program,” she proclaimed. “There are so many ways the DOE could help. It’s horrendous that they didn’t even try. For that one child whose talent is acting… who is the DOE to shut the door on that?!” Her remarks were followed by loud cheers and standing ovations.
CEC 24 members seemed receptive and moved by the comments. President Nick Comaianni told students that the reason the DOE hasn’t allocated funds for the drama program is because I.S. 119 scores fall at the top of the spectrum. “This is a problem we’ve seen many years ago,” he said. “Since they [I.S. 119 students] scored high, and they’re exceeding expectations, the DOE is not worried about funds,” he said.
More than half a dozen frustrated students turned to the council and shared their life changing experiences with the teacher including the brave Jenna Bower, who touched audiences with her story. “I have Asperger autism which delays my social skills and emotional abilities,” she said. “The theatre classes assisted me with controlling emotions as learning how a character shows emotions makes it easier for me in real life,” she added.
John Staten, a young student, believed that letting go of their teacher would be a huge mistake. “Why do we have to get rid of someone whose touched so many lives?,” he asked. “You are not just getting rid of Mr. B, you’re getting rid of students’ futures and the whole drama program,” he said.
Parents also took turn at the microphone to express their feelings of anger and sadness. Lori Burgman could hardly contain her emotions when it was her turn to speak. “Mr. B is the heart and soul of the theatre department,” she cried. “He has given so much of himself to the program. He has dedicated so many unpaid hours to help the young men and women of this school,” she said.
By Natalia Kozikowska
