Parents, students decry Georgetown Middle School band cut at Scott County Board meeting; superintendent points to allocation rules

Dozens of students, parents and teachers spoke at the Scott County Board of Education meeting to protest a Georgetown Middle School (GMS) site-based council decision to cut the band teacher position and other staff after a projected enrollment drop.

The speakers said the band teacher — described repeatedly as a ‘‘safe place’’ for students — and other dedicated arts instructors provide vital academic, social and emotional support. Superintendent Parker replied that the district uses a longstanding allocation formula and that site-based councils make staffing allocation decisions for their schools.

The protest grew from a GMS site-based council meeting in which the school was asked to cut six teacher positions because of a projected decrease of about 40 students; speakers said that Title I funding subsequently reduced the cuts to four positions. Testimony at the board meeting described the effect on music and arts access: GMS will be left with one teacher who would be required to cover both band and choir, eliminating participation in all-district and all-state ensembles, jazz band, and next year’s marching-band opportunities for some students.

"I am a student at Great Crossing High School and…