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Students and music educators call for transparency and collaboration on planned music reorganization
Summary
Several students, music teachers and the teachers association urged the board to consult music educators before implementing the district’s proposed reorganization of music staffing and to preserve access to band, orchestra and choir.
Multiple students, music teachers and union leaders used the public‑comment period on March 18 to urge Jefferson County Public Schools and the board to involve classroom music educators in planning any reorganization of music programming.
Key voices and concerns: Jordan Thomas, a senior who has participated in JCPS orchestras for nine years, asked the board to hear music directors directly and warned that moving directors away from their students without consultation would harm programs. "You are making the choice to make decisions on the music educators without speaking to them," Thomas said.
Maddie Shepherd, president of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, told the board that teachers were not part of initial planning and called for a stakeholder committee. "A collaborative committee is the best way to assess if the plan proposed meets that goal," Shepherd said; later in the meeting JCTA and district leaders committed to convene a 50‑50 committee to work on program access and equity.
Parents and music professionals spoke as well. Dr. Katherine Donner, a parent and professional musician, said teachers were informed they were considered overstaffed before a plan was shared and called for clearer communication and early inclusion of music educators in planning. Student speaker Daniel Patterson said the proposed approach would widen gaps and "it's clear that this plan ... is not what's best for the students." Teacher Jason Gregory argued for music in every elementary school and for band/orchestra/choir availability at middle and high schools.
District context and response: The superintendent’s report on March 18 included a statement about expanding orchestral access and forming a committee to determine pairings; board members and JCTA later confirmed a commitment to further collaboration. No final staffing reassignments or eliminations were voted on during the meeting.
Next steps: Board and union leaders agreed to convene a collaborative committee to review program design and equitable access. Parents and students asked the board to ensure musicians and music teachers help shape the final plan before assignments are made.
