District Administrator's Corner

by Loren Glasbrenner,  River Valley School District Administrator  In 1899, there was a revolution to stand up to unfair employment practices in New York City—started by kids!  The entire calamity was caused by two power wielding men, Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst.  These two moguls decided to raise the price of newspapers for The Evening World and The New York Evening Journal.  At this time in history, afternoon editions were reliant upon kids, newsboys, as they were the deliverers of the evening paper in larger cities.  The kids would purchase the papers from printers and then recouped their costs by delivering and selling.  So when Hearst and Pulitzer raised the price, they knowingly added the cost to the kids doing the work. By striking, the kids halted the circulation of these two papers in New York, and in neighboring cities as well.  The protest was semi-violent, short, and became newsworthy due to the New York Times (a competing paper).  It was a chance to poke at news competitors that were struggling, which also brought awareness to unfair labor conditions.  The strike was effective, and received results becoming one of the incredible stories about kids from American history.  It has also been developed into a great musical for the stage. You have a chance to see this story come alive.  Newsies (developed as a movie and then a stage adaptation by Walt Disney Pictures) will spring to life on Friday, Saturday and Sunday due to the energy, dedication, and talent of our River Valley High School performers.  It truly is remarkable how this group of young people harness the energy of striking workers and perform their socks off during this production based on labor history. Child labor exploitation has existed in the United States (on varying levels) throughout the centuries.  Children were seen as a commodity of voiceless workers without representation.  However, with the rise of public education, household income, availability of schools and passage of child labor laws, the abuse has diminished.  Students from the River Valley School District are a part of the job force in our area, but by their choice... and they are protected with child labor laws from The United States Department of Labor.  The newsboys could have used some of this protection. At any rate, if you are looking for a way to boost your holiday spirit and see the potential of our youth, check out this show!  Newsies tickets are available at Arcadia Books, as the show is presented in the Gard Theater across the street.  History will come to life and your faith in the power of our youth will be sparked. The cast and crew of this show represent the future--and it is bright.