Community lobbies for programs, teachers
Published on Wed, May 13, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Schools
Close to 150 parents, students and concerned citizens packed the May 5 meeting of the Marysville School Board, many of them lining up to speak on behalf of favorite teachers and programs that are on the chopping block due to budget cuts.
The district has been faced with tough choices in formulating the 2009-2010 budget. Reduced funding from the state may mean cuts of up to $7 million for the year, impacting staffing, programs and supplies.
For over an hour, the School Board heard testimony about the importance of music and foreign language programs, two areas that are being eyed for reductions. Several students also spoke about their dissatisfaction with the high school's SLC (small learning community) program, with most complaints centering on a narrowed choice of electives.
Cheyenna Teachout spoke passionately about her love of the Japanese language and culture, knowledge she's gained from her class and its teacher, Mrs. Takahashi. Both Japanese and German language classes are on the chopping block.
Students Melanie Shelton, Franqui Rojas and Samantha Brown were among those lobbying to keep music programs fully staffed. Students from 10th Street School presented the board with a petition containing more than 600 signatures in support of the current music teacher, Nathan Sackman.
Parents Eric Peterson and Doreen White echoed the students' pleas.
"You can't cut music programs," said Peterson. "We have to grab our kids and give them something they love, or they'll end up out on the streets causing trouble."
Another parent spoke passionately about the impact of music on his son's school experience. "A few years ago, he couldn't play the radio," said the dad. "Now he plays four instruments, and what that has done for my son is amazing."
Director Don Hatch Jr. stood following the comment period and congratulated those in attendance for their involvement. "My hands are up to you all," he said. "I've been here [on the School Board] for 16 years, and I've never seen this much caring."
The board will continue its public meetings over the next several weeks, with preliminary budget approval slated for June 1.
A budget presentation for the staff and community is planned for Wednesday, May 13, at 6 p.m. in the board room at the district service center, 4220-80th St. NE. Another public forum is slated for May 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room.
The district has been faced with tough choices in formulating the 2009-2010 budget. Reduced funding from the state may mean cuts of up to $7 million for the year, impacting staffing, programs and supplies.
For over an hour, the School Board heard testimony about the importance of music and foreign language programs, two areas that are being eyed for reductions. Several students also spoke about their dissatisfaction with the high school's SLC (small learning community) program, with most complaints centering on a narrowed choice of electives.
Cheyenna Teachout spoke passionately about her love of the Japanese language and culture, knowledge she's gained from her class and its teacher, Mrs. Takahashi. Both Japanese and German language classes are on the chopping block.
Students Melanie Shelton, Franqui Rojas and Samantha Brown were among those lobbying to keep music programs fully staffed. Students from 10th Street School presented the board with a petition containing more than 600 signatures in support of the current music teacher, Nathan Sackman.
Parents Eric Peterson and Doreen White echoed the students' pleas.
"You can't cut music programs," said Peterson. "We have to grab our kids and give them something they love, or they'll end up out on the streets causing trouble."
Another parent spoke passionately about the impact of music on his son's school experience. "A few years ago, he couldn't play the radio," said the dad. "Now he plays four instruments, and what that has done for my son is amazing."
Director Don Hatch Jr. stood following the comment period and congratulated those in attendance for their involvement. "My hands are up to you all," he said. "I've been here [on the School Board] for 16 years, and I've never seen this much caring."
The board will continue its public meetings over the next several weeks, with preliminary budget approval slated for June 1.
A budget presentation for the staff and community is planned for Wednesday, May 13, at 6 p.m. in the board room at the district service center, 4220-80th St. NE. Another public forum is slated for May 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room.
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