Bismarck schools face possible cuts to elementary orchestra as budget pressures grow

Hundreds of parents, students and music educators pressed the Bismarck School Board on March 10 to keep elementary orchestra in the district amid tightening budgets and uncertain state and federal funding.

The public comments began with Michelle Harmstead, a parent and Bismarck orchestra program alumna, who said cutting fourth-grade orchestra harmed recruitment: "This fourth and fifth grade time is a crucial age... continuing to provide opportunities to children at this crucial age is paramount." Fifth grader Justine McManus told trustees that orchestra "helps reduce stress, enhances our moods" and said losing elementary orchestra would upset many students. Several teachers and community musicians, including Beverly Everett of the Bismarck Mandan Symphony and former BPS orchestra teacher Rob Pesky, urged the board to treat orchestra as core curriculum rather than an expendable activity.

The appeals followed comments from Superintendent Dr. Fosnott about how the district reached the staffing and budget question. Dr. Fosnott said staffing shortages played a key role last year and that the administration recommended — for planning purposes — moving orchestra instruction to sixth grade so available staff could be used at the middle-school level. "That recommendation is still sitting on my desk," he said, adding the district has advertised the orchestra position for roughly three weeks and recently extended the listing to national outlets to find qualified teachers.

Dr. Fosnott told the board moving fifth-grade orchestra to sixth grade would not reduce the district’s overall payroll but would reallocate staff: "It's not about saving any money. I'm gonna spend your money regardless — it's just a matter of where we spend it." He also said that if staff cannot be hired, the district must consider alternatives so families are not left without instruments or instruction at the start of the school year.

Speakers cited research and long local history for early-start string instruction; Everett said elementary string programs in Bismarck date at least to 1962. Several commenters described social and academic benefits, and students shared personal stories of improved confidence, behavior and school engagement attributed to early orchestra participation.

Superintendent remarks placed orchestra among a list of budget pressures that include potential federal cuts to Title programs and constrained state appropriations. Dr. Fosnott said federal Title II, III and IV funding "are definitely pots of money that we rely on every year," and that reductions, if enacted late in the federal budget cycle, could force difficult personnel decisions. He also highlighted rapid growth in English learner enrollment (the district reported 645 EL students, with about 170 newcomers and a 33% increase in EL enrollment since 2023) as another factor competing for limited resources.

Board members thanked speakers and repeatedly described the situation as a budget-driven set of difficult choices rather than a judgment about the program's value. Board member Lee said the board values opportunities for students and recognized the public's concerns. President Dan Eastgate and other trustees said the district is pursuing community-centered solutions and budget workshops in the coming weeks.

No formal board action to cut or relocate the elementary orchestra was taken at the meeting. The superintendent characterized the orchestra recommendation as part of the budget "hopper" awaiting additional staffing data, search results and the outcome of legislative and federal funding decisions. He said further discussion will continue during budget workshops scheduled later in the month.

The board meeting agenda included other items — including a project update on the Silver Ranch Career Academy and a discussion of district revenue and staffing — but the orchestra debate drew the largest public turnout and sustained comment.

Next steps: the superintendent said the district will continue recruitment for the orchestra position, review staffing options if applicants are found or not found, and present budget options during forthcoming workshops. The board did not set a decision date for the orchestra recommendation.