Several residents spoke out at the School Board meeting requesting the band program remain intact. As an elementary parent and a former band director, I think it s a real tragedy you re considering this, said one resident. It will make us look like a second-rate school district. It s an educational program and is not easily substituted in the community, said another resident. Resident Tia Smith said, I feel education should be broad-based.
Music is an important part of development and expression.
The junior high recommendation is to reduce staff by 17.9 positions. At the high school, class sizes will increase from 25.2 students to 28.1 students per class. There could be a freeze on dean hiring and the loss of a chemical health specialist, a graduation standards specialist and activities department assistant. Overall, the district is considering losing about 53 full-time teaching positions next year. However, the district hopes a percentage of those losses will be through retirements and leaves rather than elimination.