Parents extend fight to save band program

But this time, the task is tougher. Economic constraints on the school district’s budget have tightened and the school district’s projected budget shortfall is three times higher — a whopping $120 million. So despite nearly 6,000 signatures this time around supporting the elementary orchestra and band program, the school board has decided to eliminate it and move to a fee-based after-school program for fourth- and fifth-graders — moves it said would save $4 million.

In all, the district approved the superintendent’s recommendation to cut 1,000 positions, including nearly 500 teachers.

Now Dallow and others say their concern is not just about band programs but the district’s and the state’s attitude toward funding. Starting with a meeting tonight at a pub in Roswell, they hope to gather enough support to go back to the board next month and make the case — not just for reinstatement of the band program but for adequate funding for education.

“This is the worst we’ve seen and so far beyond just music,” Dallow said. “We need to focus on the big picture and why this is happening.”

Other metro Atlanta school districts face huge budget deficits. Most have decided so far to cope by trimming staff, furloughing teachers, cutting community education and increasing class sizes.

Fulton school Superintendent Cindy Loe said the district had little choice in cutting the band program because it operates solely on local funds.

“The reality is when we looked at making personnel reductions, we looked in areas that receive the least amount of state funding, and the fact is elementary band and orchestra program receives virtually no funding from the state,” Loe said.

She said that even in the event “revenues look better than they appear, I would first revisit restoring teaching positions [math, English, social studies, science] that receive a greater portion of state funding.”

Dallow and other parents have said they support raising the millage rate to pay for keeping the band program.

But at this point, even that might not be enough.

Allison Toller, a spokeswoman for the district, said the board is expected to explore raising the millage rate at its next board meeting but as it stands now that would be only to help offset the deficit that exists and balance the 2011 budget.

Sharon Anderson, head of orchestras for north Fulton, said the district offered an after-school program a few years ago at Sweet Apple Elementary and it failed “miserably” because students either didn’t have transportation home or preferred participating in other activities like sports.

The school district is moving ahead with the plan, asking local contractors to submit proposals to run the after-school program. They will offer additional information at a pre-conference meeting at 10 a.m. at the Meadows Operations Center, 5270 Northfield Blvd., College Park. Contractors have until April 22 to submit proposals, said Susan Hale, a spokeswoman for the district.

Meanwhile, parents hoping to reinstate the program during the school day point to gains in academics and other areas of their children’s development because of the band program.

Katherine Keeney said that had it not been for elementary school music, she doubts her daughter would’ve developed into the responsible teenager she has become.

“Playing the sax fed into playing in the jazz band in high school,” she said.

In fact, Fulton students for years have dominated in All State band and orchestra, Anderson said.

In addition, Anderson and Wucher say the 60-year-old program has been listed as one of the top for music education for the past 10 years. Fulton is one of only two school systems in the country to win that distinction based on student participation and money spent on the program.

“There is nothing else that has brought this system national recognition,” said Dallow, whose children have gone through the program.

Said Anderson: “We’re so well known for our orchestra program, Ohio State University is bringing their staff to Georgia for a summer workshop and the American String Teachers Association has made Atlanta part of their rotation for a national conference site.”

Anderson said she already is fielding calls from other school officials in and outside the state who are “trolling for my teachers.”

A “what’s next workshop” has been tentatively scheduled for May 26 for teachers like Anderson, Wucher said.

Meantime, the concerned parents will meet tonight and consider their options. One is deciding whether to pull together $8,000 to hire John Benham, a consultant who has fought to save school arts programs in 47 states, including Georgia.

Benham said school districts think they’re saving money with such cuts but they aren’t because music teachers, in general, carry a heavier teaching load than other instructors because they teach bigger class sizes.

“Because of this, cutting music programs is rarely cost-effective,” said Benham, who has helped saved programs in Gwinnett, DeKalb and Chatham counties.

“They may [save] the first year,” Benham said, “but by the second year it will start going in the other direction.”

School budget woes

Atlanta Public Schools

The district plans to cut spending by $67 million with two mandatory furlough days, no raises and pay cuts to substitute teachers. They hope to cut 400 positions through retirements; layoffs may be necessary.

What’s next: A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday. The budget vote is expected May 10.

Cherokee County

At a minimum, officials predict a $30 million deficit. They plan to cut at least 41 teachers and 76 support staff.

What’s next: Work session May 14. Final budget approval expected July 22.

Clayton County

Officials predict a deficit of $40.8 million for next year. They are considering reducing the number of school days and cutting division budgets by 5 percent for three years.

What’s next: The superintendent will present his budget proposal to the board April 26.

Cobb County

Officials predict the budget shortfall could reach $137.7 million. They are considering increasing class sizes and furloughing staff for six days.

What’s next: The budget is scheduled for a vote June 9.

DeKalb County

The budget committee approved $115 million in cuts, including laying off 200 paraprofessionals, seven furlough days, cutting magnet program staff and increasing class sizes. They also plan to close four elementary schools.

What’s next: The board is scheduled to vote on the budget April 12.

Fulton County

The district has a $120 million deficit. It plans to increase class sizes and thin the ranks of social workers, school psychologists and instructional support teachers by 25 percent.

What’s next: The superintendent will present non-personnel related cuts April 15. The board is expected to adopt a budget in June.

Gwinnett County

The district predicts a budget shortfall of $100 million. Officials plan to revisit funding for crossing guard and community education programs; require each division to cut 7.5 percent; increase class sizes and mandate three furlough days.

What’s next: The proposed budget will be released in mid-April. Public hearings are scheduled for May 13 and 20, with budget adoption May 20.