Shippensburg music teachers urge board to add one full-time elementary music teacher; budget includes music position

Katrina Nyman, a music teacher who covers multiple grade levels in the Shippensburg Area School District, urged the board during public comment to add one full-time elementary music teacher to address understaffing across the district's music programs.

"Currently, we have only 7 music teachers, the same number as in the 1980s," Nyman said, describing ensembles that are larger than in past years and music teachers who juggle multiple roles. She told the board the district currently has about one music teacher for every 450 students and cited nearby districts that employ about one per 335; she said adding one teacher would improve the ratio and reduce substitute needs.

Nyman said a full-time elementary music teacher would provide consistent, standards-based instruction and allow rehearsal time for ensembles, improving student access to instruments and music education. She also referenced the district's 2025'028 plan and said new spaces provided for music should be staffed and used.

During the budget discussion later in the meeting, administration indicated the proposed 2025'026 budget includes a music teacher among several staffing additions being projected for next year. The board voted to advertise that proposed budget; final adoption is scheduled for June 9 and could be adjusted during finance committee meetings in May.

No separate motion to create a specific new music-teacher position occurred during the meeting; the request by teachers and the budget language were the primary actions addressing the staffing need.