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Residents urge remedy for Belmont band noise; speaker and others criticize transportation leadership changes
Summary
During public comment a Walnut Hills resident asked the district to reduce loud band practice noise coming from Belmont High School; another speaker criticized proposed staffing changes in transportation and urged support for a long-time supervisor.
Two public commenters addressed the board during the public-comment portion of the May 13 meeting.
A resident of the Walnut Hills neighborhood, Jason Balwig (1410 Creighton), said loud Belmont High School marching-band practice near his home creates sustained sound levels he and neighbors measured at about 85 decibels and urged the district to move practices or add sound mitigation. "I don't want the band to stop practicing — I just want them to use this space a little better," Balwig said. He told the board practice sometimes began at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and said the noise can run for several hours. Superintendent Dr. David Lawrence told Balwig staff would follow up and arrange for further discussion after the meeting.
Another commenter, Charice Grimes (address given), spoke in defense of a transportation supervisor the district is proposing to remove from his role. Grimes said the supervisor, Mr. Jackson, has 33 years of service, works long hours and provides strong institutional knowledge and commitment. She said the decision to remove him will harm the department and community and that colleagues lacked sufficient support during periods when his workload increased.
Ending: Superintendent Lawrence indicated staff would follow up with the resident who raised the noise issue. No formal board action was recorded in response to the public comments during the meeting; the topics were discussed as referrals to administration for follow-up.
