Following public comment at its regular meeting on November 13, the Sherman ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to reinstate the original script and cast of the musical initially planned for December 8-10, 2023 at Sherman High School.

Board member Wendy Vellotti motioned, and trustee Jennifer Johnstone Shelby seconded the motion, stating: 

“As the Board has not adopted a Board policy regarding the casting of students in theater productions or performances, I move that the Board direct the Superintendent to reinstate the original script of the musical Oklahoma! at Sherman High School and the cast that was assigned as of November 2, 2023.”

Following a 7-0 vote in favor of the motion, Board President Brad Morgan shared the following statement on behalf of the Board:

“We want to apologize to our students, parents and our community regarding the circumstances that they have had to go through to this date. We understand that our decision does not erase the impact this had on our community, but we hope that we will reinforce to everyone, particularly our students, that we do embrace all of our Board goals, to include addressing the diverse needs of our students and empowering them for success in a diverse and complex world. The Board is committed to uphold its ethical duties to include being continuously guided by what is best for all students in our District.”