Parent Chris Maloney urges Hillsborough district to save Rogers Orchestra program

The Hillsborough County Public Schools Board meeting held on May 6, 2025, addressed several pressing issues, with a significant focus on budgetary constraints affecting school programs.

The meeting began with public comments, where Chris Maloney, a parent from Brandon, Florida, passionately advocated for the preservation of the Rogers Orchestra program at Rogers Bridal Magnet School in Riverview. Maloney expressed deep concern over the proposed cuts to the orchestra, emphasizing the program's vital role in fostering self-esteem and confidence among students. He highlighted the achievements of his son, Matthew, who is not only the concert master of the orchestra but also an honor student and active participant in various school activities. Maloney urged the board to seek alternative budget savings rather than eliminating the orchestra, citing the program's positive impact on academic and social performance.

Following Maloney's remarks, Bishop Michelle B. Patty took the floor, sharing mixed emotions about the meeting. She referenced a previous board meeting where a young student was unable to attend, indicating a continued commitment to advocating for student voices and needs within the district.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the challenges faced by the district in balancing financial constraints with the need to maintain essential educational programs. The board's response to these public comments and the subsequent decisions regarding the budget and program funding will be closely monitored by the community, particularly those invested in the arts and extracurricular activities in schools.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of community input and the need for thoughtful consideration of the implications of budget cuts on student programs. The next steps will involve further discussions on budget allocations and potential alternatives to ensure that vital programs like the orchestra can continue to thrive in Hillsborough County schools.