One of Pleasant Valley’s school board directors wants to donate $1,000 to bring an historical reenactor of two of our country’s most notable presidents back to life. His proposal was approved Thursday night at their voting meeting.

At the school board’s workshop meeting on Sept. 10, Director Norman Burger said he met reenactor Eric Richardson at the West End Fair. Richardson is with a company called the Summit Tribute Group and portrays George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, among other notable people.

Burger said he’d like to pay for the actor to come to the high school to portray Lincoln. The $1,000 cost is for four hours. Burger suggested that after Richardson’s presentation that maybe he could spend the rest of his time at the school walking around and talking to students.

“This is an opportunity that I’ll provide if it works out for everyone,” Burger said.

Assistant Superintendent Rae Lynn Howard told the board, “Any time somebody wants to come and speak to the students, we make sure that it’s appropriate, and that it’s not a one-sided conversation or speech.”

She said she looked into his presentation and thinks “he’s good to go.” She just requested that Richardson provide a draft of what he is going to talk about and make sure clearances are done.

Burger said Richardson has some open dates in October, but he’s not available in September, November or December. Howard and Principal Brian Boylan would look into dates that would work for the high school.

Director Matthew Walters said he thinks Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” would be good to do in February in conjunction with Presidents Day.

“I think it would be very impactful,” he said.

Burger said Boylan told him that the ninth-grade studies the Civil War era in October, which is why he had suggested that month.

“This would go right into the program. It’s an educational moment,” Burger said, but he wasn’t averse to February. As of Thursday’s meeting, a date hadn’t been determined yet, Howard said.

Director Ryan O’Keefe said at the workshop meeting, “I think this is great. I haven’t seen anything of what he provides. I’ll take your word for it.”

O’Keefe said he doesn’t think the burden of the cost should be on Burger.

“I want to do it,” Burger said. “I’m a history guy.”

O’Keefe said he’s thinking longevity, though. He wants to see the program be available for the following years and doesn’t want it to be a once and done type of thing. O’Keefe suggested that it either be placed in the budget or use a grant to cover the cost.

“I want to do this. I want to keep these traditions going,” O’Keefe said.

Business Manager Tammy Smale said that if it is successful, then she would build it into the budget.