The recent meeting for the Oakdale Joint Unified School District board seemed standard by way of action items. Board approval was given to varying items including construction items, a comprehensive safety plan and acquisition of a modular building during the March 9 regular meeting.

It was the public comment portion of the meeting, however, which packed the room, as well as challenged the board as teachers, students and parents stepped to the podium to share thoughts on two pressing points: Oakdale High School after school theater and teacher salaries.

Amidst a contract negotiation year, teachers have been vocal at the past several board meetings. Vocalizing concern with lack of pay, as well as increasing insurance costs.

Longtime OJUSD educator, Charles James, echoed the sentiments of his colleagues during the March meeting.

“Things have changed dramatically and, in my opinion, not for the better,” James stated.

During the opening portion of his comments, James acknowledged the work ethic and dedication of Special Education teachers, noting Resource Teachers Karen Miller and Nancy Stueve from his early days as a teacher.

“They were supported by five aides, one of whom was all day,” James shared. “Currently my site has one resource teacher supported by only two three-hour aides.”

He also pointed to the pay discrepancy around the region.

“I know that I work in Oakdale. I’m not going to make as much as the teachers in the districts surrounding us, why is that?” he asked.

Similar to a number of teachers who have spoken before him at previous board meetings, James noted the increase in the cost of living, as well as a rise in health insurance costs. In spite of this, James shared he will continue to teach in the district that took a chance on him 27 years ago.

“As some of you have pointed out, Oakdale teachers always teach, even when we feel disrespected. But our children, they deserve more,” he said. “The disconnect between teachers and administration in Oakdale is as wide as the Grand Canyon.”

He urged the board members to change the narrative.

“Teachers are the ones teaching our kids. We spend our nights, weekends and vacations planning for the education of our children and yet the most important decisions in our district are being made by individuals who know nothing about our children,” James told the board members. “You represent the parents and children of Oakdale. The teachers of Oakdale, need your help.”

Several Oakdale High School students were also in attendance at the March 9 session and many took to the podium to challenge the board to reconsider a recent decision to restructure the After School Drama Program to a two block school day class for the 2026-27 year. Students and parents were first informed of the change in February after completing a survey inquiring if the change would affect their participation. Many said it would, yet the change has been implemented.

“It was recently announced that the after school program will be transitioning to a co-curricular two period class, during the school day starting next year,” OHS sophomore Teagan Malcom shared, adding that, as an AP student with collegiate aspirations, there is not room in her academic schedule for her to stay involved in drama if this were to change.

Malcom noted the survey, stating that the large majority indicated the change would in fact affect their participation, yet it has still been implemented.

“One of the best things about theater; why I unconditionally adore theater,” she said, “is that it isn’t a place just for people who want to be actors when they graduate. Truly it’s a home for every kid, whether an athlete, an artist or academic scholar. On behalf of all the theater students, I implore you to reconsider your decision of restructuring the extra curricular into a class.”

Classmate and fellow theater student, Susanna Orr, also shared her love of theater, noting as an honors student and cross country runner, it provided an outlet which was needed during a tough time in her teen life.

“I love theater,” Orr stated, explaining that she was looking forward to being in a production with her sister next year, but now that likely won’t happen.

“My participation in theater was possible because it was an extra-curricular that anyone could audition for,” she said. “Something that would be taken away because of the imposition of the two block period.”

While many students, parents and community members continued their plea with the board to reconsider the decision, it was the words of Teagan’s father, Josh Malcom, which perhaps summed up what many were thinking.

“The OHS Drama Club teammates,” the elder Malcom stated, waving his finger, “important word, no doubt these guys are a team, have proved over and over again their fierce commitment to the club and to the arts. They voluntarily spend hundreds of hours per production performing and learning lines, learning locations of movement, learning songs. They build sets, learn to operate lighting and learn analog and digital sound. This team practices or rehearses three to four nights a week.”

Malcom stated that the quality of OHS theater productions is a reflection of the time given to the practices.

Likening this to OHS sports teams and all their success, he stated, “They could not be as successful as they are if they were consolidated into two (school day) periods.”

He echoed the opportunity for grant funding to keep the program going as an after school extracurricular, which others had indicated.

As a longtime Oakdalean and local business owner, Malcom shared his love for the community’s tradition, giving a nod to Friday Night Lights and what football season means to the community. He challenged the board with the hypothetical comparison of if it were Friday Night Lights at risk, Oakdale (including himself) would find a way to keep the lights on. Malcom encouraged the board to do the same for this group of students.

Once the speakers finished making their comments, board member Terri Taylor addressed the audience. Taylor noted she understood the upset and that they were unaware of some facts which the board is unable to discuss due to labor laws. Taylor, nonetheless, was impressed by the students and the respect they delivered.

“People come here and they’re very angry about a myriad of things,” she said. “You have represented yourself better than many adults that we’ve had in this room.”

The next meeting will be Monday, April 20. Open session begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. OJUSD board meetings are hosted at the OJUSD Tech Center, 331 Hinkley Ave., Oakdale.