Several public commenters and written statements presented the Board with concerns about performing arts continuity and a school staffing decision during the Aug. 13 public‑comment period.

Monica Manolkin, an orchestra teacher identified in written comments read by the board, urged the district to continue orchestra offerings in grades 6–8 and to hire qualified orchestra teachers at Johnson Wabash and Ferguson Middle. She warned that removing orchestra from Ferguson Middle could create inequities and harm long‑term program sustainability.

Todd Oberlin, in a written comment read aloud, recommended year‑long choir and orchestra access at the middle‑school level and said fragmentation of music offerings undermines continuance and student growth.

In person, Kelvin Davis advocated for returning Darren “Coach DB” Bolden to McClure North, saying Bolden has been “a linchpin” for students and describing his impact on former students, including one who went on to play college football on scholarship.

Why it matters: commenters framed the issues as program equity (consistent access to music across middle schools) and as the retention/placement of an influential restorative educator who works with students at a critical point in secondary school.

Ending: The board president said staff would follow up with the commenters; administration stated it would respond to written submitters within five business days and that the superintendent’s office would shepherd follow‑up with school leadership.