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College Station parent group urges better communication after band funding cuts
Summary
A CSHS Band Boosters leader told trustees budget changes to high school band programs were communicated late, creating hardship for families and staff and raising questions about district communication practices.
Betsy Pickett, a parent of five and president of the College Station High School Band Boosters, told the board Oct. 21 that late budget cuts and communication lapses are creating financial and operational problems for the district’s band programs.
"Continued district budget cuts to band programs will force us to raise band fees, placing a burden on families," Pickett said during the public comment period. She said changes planned by CFO Heather Wilson and communicated through Eric Eeks, director of fine arts, reached band leaders after booster budgets and student fees were already set.
Pickett said a district decision on Oct. 2 cut funding for student meals for high school bands headed to the state marching contest, forcing boosters to scramble. She also alleged a promised stipend for a director taking on extra administrative duties overseeing color guard was removed for the fall semester despite that person performing those additional duties for five months.
"When students experience great success, the result should not be a financial burden placed on families," Pickett said. She requested more timely and respectful communication of budget changes and compensation decisions.
Board policy and the Open Meetings Act prevent trustees from responding during public comment on items not on the agenda, the president reminded the room. The board did not take action on the specific concerns during the meeting; trustees later completed routine agenda business and heard staff reports unrelated to these complaints.
