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Marching band parents press district for timeline after trailer repairs delayed
Summary
Wyoming Area music sponsors and band parents told the board the marching band's trailer repairs and lighting upgrades were not completed as expected; administrators apologized and said they would expedite transporting the trailer for repair and wrapping to meet fall events schedule.
Parents and music sponsors told the Wyoming Area School Board on Aug. 19 that repairs and upgrades to the high school marching band's trailer remain unfinished and that the delay threatens fall travel and a trailer wrap financed by community donations.
Jim Chicksen, speaking for the Wyoming Area Marching Band and the music sponsors, told the board the trailer had received no repairs by a recent check and had been moved only last week to a private collision shop with an estimated end-of-month completion. "The trailer is essential for the transportation of our instruments and our props and any equipment that we need," Chicksen said, noting the band has five away football games, five competitions in the region and likely championships and a possible Veterans Day parade appearance in Washington, D.C.
Chicksen said community donors contributed funds for a trailer wrap and lighting system; if the wrap is not installed before the season, the parents said they may need to return donated money.
Lara Chicksen, president of the Wyoming Area Music Sponsors, raised logistical concerns about who is authorized to tow the trailer, volunteer drivers and whether the district truck has extended mirrors suitable for safe towing. She asked the district to confirm by the end of the week that the trailer would be hooked to a truck and fueled for away events.
In response, an administrator apologized and said staff believed a vendor would perform the work and that, when the arrangement changed, the trailer had been moved to a different shop. "I will make sure I will do everything humanly possible to make sure that the trailer gets to the various places to get done," the administrator said, and offered to expedite transport, including personally driving the trailer if needed.
Why it matters: The trailer is used to transport instruments, props and large equipment for contests and games. A late wrap or incomplete lighting installation could affect the band's ability to appear at scheduled competitions and community events and jeopardize donated funds intended for the wrap.
Next steps: Administrators committed to expediting transport to body and lighting shops and to coordinating with band parents on volunteer drivers and vehicle readiness. The district did not provide a firm completion date at the meeting.
