Crowd balks at Hersey music cuts
More than 100 Hersey High School parents and students protested proposed cuts in the school's music department at Thursday's District 214 board meeting.
The cuts -- while not official -- would eliminate all guitar classes and reduce the orchestra director position from full-time to part-time next year, said Gary Parker, coordinator of fine arts for Northwest Suburban High School District 214.
"Many students come to school just because of the music program," he said.
The guitar class is crucial because it's one of the few classes open to students with no music experience. Most programs such as band and orchestra require prior experience, Parker said.
About 10 parents and one student echoed Parker's statements at the meeting. Hersey's orchestra director Bill Baar got two standing ovations when it was his turn to speak.
"What you're proposing would be devastating," Baar said. "Do what's right for the kids and restore the guitar program and preserve the orchestra."
Hersey junior Rachael Pfeiffer said she couldn't imagine high school without orchestra.
"I wouldn't be friends with half of the people I'm friends with now," she said.
Hersey parent Bryan Coussens said students who participate in music are more successful.
"These are students who have higher GPAs and are more successful later in life," Coussens said.
About $2.5 million needs to be cut from the 2008-09 budget, said Superintendent David Schuler.
The cuts are necessary because of higher costs, the delay in the state approving its budget and non-funded mandates from the state and federal governments, Schuler said.
One example of such a mandate is making schools use "green cleaning supplies" next year, which will cost District 214 about $140,000, he said.
Schuler also reminded parents that no final decision regarding Hersey's guitar classes or orchestra position has been made.
"You have to let the process work itself out," he said.
An announcement regarding the music program at Hersey is expected at the April 17 board meeting, Schuler said.