Dist. 21 parents against changes to music program

Parents urged Wheeling Township Elementary School District 21 officials to keep the performing music program the way that it is at a school board meeting last week.

Rosemarie Meyer, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, shared results of a review of the district's exploratory program at the board meeting. Meyer presented three different options that eliminated sixth grade students from being pulled out of core classes, such as math and reading, in order to receive private or small group music lessons.

Instead, with the presented options, the students would have performing music time during other exploratory classes, such as art or drama. The first option involved creating a sixth grade performing music exploratory class that students could choose to take instead of another exploratory class. Kara Beach, communication specialist for the district, said students would receive more music instruction with the three options that were presented than they do currently.

Several parents noted the high quality music program in the district and how they wanted to see it remain the same. They also said they wish they had more notice of past meetings on this topic.

Jennifer Brennan, a parent with a sixth-grader in band, said that her daughter has blossomed under the current music program. Brennan said that a majority of band students are on the honor roll and are doing well in the core subjects, even if they are pulled out during those classes.

"By pulling the kids out of exploratory only, you're really belittling the exploratory program," another parent, Laura McKevitt, said. "I feel strongly that the kids need these experiences."

"Each trimester, they'd have to give up an exploratory option," said Maureen Schneider, a parent of a sixth-grader who said her daughter has benefited from playing with the seventh grade band and multi-age small group lessons. "I believe they are trying to work for the right compromise, but it's such an excellent program as it is."

"I have not followed how a great music program gets better from this," said Arlen Gould, vice president of the board.

"We don't have any evidence that they wouldn't do better," answered Meyer.

A board member questioned whether there was evidence that the students who were being pulled out of the core classes were struggling academically. Meyer said some parents feel their kids could benefit academically by having more time in their core classes.

After a discussion that lasted more than two hours, board members felt they needed more information and tabled the topic, according to Beach.