AMITY >> Daniel Boone School Board members say that participation in a reality TV show by the Lifetime/A&E network may be too much reality for district high school students.
Superintendent James P. Harris informed the board at a recent meeting that the network has done some preliminary filming at the high school — with cameras about the size of a deck of playing cards.
“They have walked the halls with cameras, and they like the students and (principal) Mr. McKnight,” said Harris.
Harris said the reality show theme is five graduates returning to the Daniel Boone Area High School, who now serve as mentors to current students.
“There is a plot twist, and it would show the positives of being in high school, and also shows interracial [interaction].”
He said the network crew has passed all of the necessary background and security checks.
Students under age 18, who wish to participate, must have a release signed by a parent.
“At least five students would be followed as a social experiment – are students more receptive to their peers than to adults?” said Harris.
District Solicitor Brian Subers said his main concern is to protect the high school and school district’s image.
“My concern is, could the district be cast in an unfavorable light?” asked Subers, adding that the network hasn’t yet accepted the district’s provisions.
“I’m afraid it would be a huge distraction to students to try to get on camera,” said board member David Rathgeb, adding, “I don’t think it’s worth the $30,000 fee, and I don’t see the upside.”
Birdsboro Borough Council Vice President Cindy McGee said she is opposed to the district’s participation in the reality show.
“What if a child says something wrong and the video is out there forever?” asked McGee.
“I wouldn’t want my child to say anything that would be out there for the rest of their life.”
Harris said the reality TV show won’t allow the same learning opportunities as “How to Get Girls,” the comedy shot at the high school this summer by Glass Entertainment Group.
In addition to acting in that movie, students could learn and observe about lighting, music and sound, staging, editing, directing, and story lines/dialogue.
“This is much smaller, but could show behind the scenes,” said Harris.
Board member Carol Beitz’ motion for a straw vote – an unofficial ballot to assess board members’ interest in pursuing the project, was put on hold.
Board President Michael Wolfe said the television network may not accept the district’s terms.
“If they do accept our terms, we will then decide if we want to proceed,” said Wolfe.
Beitz recommended that the district obtain parents’ opinions regarding student participation.
The board unanimously approved the Honors Capstone Pilot Program fro Art Courses, beginning with this school year.
Board member Connor Kurtz said the program will allow arts students to take elective arts classes to complete capstone (culminating) projects.
“Administrators will note on student transcripts that the elective class was of honors quality,” said Kurtz, adding that this program allows students to demonstrate that they can do honors quality work.
Board member Jeff Scott was absent from the meeting.
In other business, the board also unanimously approved the addition of a college credit Human Geography class for the 2017-18 school year.
Kurtz said it will be offered to ninth graders who are “very interested” in geography and humanities.
“We’re enhancing the curriculum at Daniel Boone and giving more options to our students,” said Kurtz.
He said new staff is not needed for the new class, but the district will purchase next summer the necessary textbooks.
