Reductions to the Music Program in the DB School District

Over the last month, it has been quite evident that the school district is facing a financial crisis with an estimated shortfall of 7 million dollars. As a result, the district needs to examine every possible scenario in regards to funding. However, these decisions are beginning to be made with very little regard to long term educational impacts. Within all of this, the music program in the district - one of its strongest facets - is facing drastic reductions that will significantly alter the educational program for years to come.
This petition seeks to request that the school board reconsider the
depth/breadth of cuts laid upon the music program within Daniel Boone
School District.
Proposed Cuts to the DB Music Program for the 11-12 school year
1. A 26\% reduction in staff among all grade levels. Beyond Kindergarten, this is the single largest staffing reduction in the entire district.
2. Elimination of the 4th and 5th grade band/choral programs.
3. Reduction of instructional time for the MS choral and band programs.
4. Elimination of all non-curricular ensembles at the middle school (select chorus, jazz band, winter guard other small ensembles)
5. Elimination of the HS select chorus, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and winter guard.
6. Reduction of sections of music electives at the high school.
7. No financial support for student musicians who represent the district at the county, region, and state sponsored music festivals.
Questions & Concerns
1. Why have alternate solutions to such a drastic cut like this not been considered by the superintendent?
2. Why have no other programs (with the exception of kindergarten) taken such a drastic cut that is currently being proposed by the music program? There are many programs that the district offers that are not required by the state. If we are truly in a budget crisis, then why are not we looking at impacting EVERY program?
3. Were the building administrators and music faculty as a whole consulted when making this decision?
The success of the music program is due in part to the collaboration of all the music instructors, at all grade levels.
4. Has the superintendent fully evaluated ALL of the educational impacts that a cut such as this would entail?
5. Have the financial impacts of this decision been properly evaluated?
There are statistics readily available that show when a district cuts teaching positions at the lower grades, it actually costs MORE down the road. These students - when they get to the middle and high school level - are currently enrolled in music courses. Over time, the district will need to hire more teachers at those levels to accommodate the increase of students who are NOT enrolled in a music program. Our voices need to be heard.

This petition is being established so that any resident of the district can sign and add their support to keeping the music program in our schools.