Investigation, controversy swirl around resignation of former New Albany Middle School theater director

A theater director’s resignation has this middle school in the limelight.

On May 8, New Albany Middle School’s Melissa Gould resigned after nine years directing the middle school’s theater program. The resignation came after alleged complaints that Gould reportedly created an unsafe environment within the theater department.

News of the resignation quickly spread throughout the New Albany-Plain Local District, with hundreds of parents expressing concern about the administration’s mishandling of the allegations.

“Many of us saw this coming for months as the contrived complaints and alleged violations were collected quite indelicately,” parent Nicole Stetson told the New Albany School Board on June 8.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Several students involved in the theater program also spoke in Gould’s defense to the board.

“Mrs. Gould has been the reason for my growth within the past two years and for my confidence to speak today,” said eighth grader Adalyn Petruso. “She helps all of her students, including me, flourish in a world where being weird is often seen as a bad thing.”

Unsatisfied with the results of the board meeting, New Albany parents recruited attorney Gregory Vincent in an attempt to receive answers from the city council at its June 16th meeting.

According to Vincent, many parents were misled regarding the investigation and that Gould was pressured into resigning. During the meeting, Vincent addressed these concerns during the public comment portion and requested that the city conduct an independent review of the overall situation. 

At this time, the public comment portion of the recorded city council meeting is unavailable to view on New Albany’s city website.

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY