Woodland saves band program from budget cuts
As Woodland Elementary District 50 board members continue discussions about potential cuts to help close a projected $2.1 million budget gap, one program is not at risk — band.
After listening to the passionate pleas of parents, teachers and band alumni at a special meeting Thursday, the school board agreed to take the program off the table.
“The reputation of the Woodland music program is outstanding,” said board Vice President Mark Vondracek, who asked that it be pulled from the list of potential reductions.
District 50 board members are examining cuts, including staff reductions and classroom realignment, to help plug a budget gap for the 2011-12 school year. This year’s $81.7 million budget has a $4 million deficit.
“We have to talk about everything,” board President Lawrence
Gregorash said of possible cuts.
About 80 people attended the meeting at Woodland Intermediate School, with many speaking out against proposed band program cuts. They had included: cutting two band directors — one at Woodland Middle School and one at the Intermediate School, saving $89,980; and reducing the nonsalary band program budget by 10 percent to 25 percent, saving $1,840 to $4,600.
The plan also included revenue generators, such as charging instrument rental fees and making the band program a “pay-to-play” program.
Parents and teachers expressed concern that eliminating two band directors would result in larger bands and the possibility fewer students would participate.
Jacob Schrimpf, a junior at Grayslake Central High School, said he remembers being in a lottery to participate in band at Woodland Middle School before another director was hired.
“I can honestly say that band is a big part of my life,” said Schrimpf. He wants his sister, a second-grader, to be able to experience the Woodland band “in all its full glory.”
Parent Cathy Cava said her daughter participates in band.
“It just improves her day and morale,” said Cava, adding she was “shocked and appalled” when she learned band program cuts were being considered.
Parents and teachers suggested finding additional funding for the program, including through grants and fundraisers, and encouraging more parents to volunteer.
The board is expected to vote Feb. 24 on budget reductions that could include: saving roughly $630,000 by adjusting core classroom sections in first through seventh grades; eliminating 36 wireless telephones assigned to administrators, saving $22,777 per year; and eliminating several other staff positions, including
two full-time maintenance workers, two copy center employees and one English as a Second Language (ESL) position.
Superintendent Joy Swoboda said she will shave $100,000 through administrative reductions, possibly through benefits or the number of months worked. She said the total amount of budget cuts on the table is $1.7 million.