Parents Talk: Should Music Programs Be Cut During School Budget Reductions?

It has become a common scenario across many Twin City school districts. 

No passage of an operating levy in November equals a spring of budget reductions. 

Some school boards have been considering cutting some of the music programs out of their district offerings. 

A recommendation in District 834 to cut fifth- and sixth-grade instrumental music programs to save $300,000 if a November levy doesn’t pass brought criticism from the Stillwater Area High School Orchestra Director. 

“The elementary cost center’s suggestion appears disingenuous and may lack the integrity that the Stillwater community expects from its schools and from its School Board,” Stillwater Area High School Orchestra Director Jerry Jones said. “This elimination looks as though it is only effecting the fifth and sixth grade, where in fact it would eliminate the entire program in time.” 

As part of a two-year $11 million budget reductions in the Osseo School District, following a failed operating levy request last November, it is being proposed to cut fifth grade orchestra. 

School funding continues to be a hot button issue throughout Minnesota, such as  – some school districts claiming funding formulas are unfair. 

When school boards decide where to cut money – should music programs receive the ax? 

I’m torn. I’ve had two children in a school district several years ago when millions of dollars in budget cuts took place. As a parent – it was tough experience. You ask yourself, “What do I think should be cut?” 

There are no easy answers. 

Should students, schools and staff face the music and expect a possible future without music programs? Or, should school boards find other areas to cut?  Should anything be “off the table” when it comes to school budget reductions?

Share your thoughts in comments.