Superintendent says orchestra grade‑span reduced after repeated staffing gaps; local vendor offers help recruiting

During public comment and the superintendent’s report at the March 24 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Fosnott told the board the district’s decision to reduce the grade span in which orchestra is offered was driven by staffing, not primarily by budget. He said the district has had difficulty hiring and retaining orchestra teachers: "Since May of 2023, we've had 5 orchestra teachers lead BPS either for other opportunities or for 1‑year leaves of absence... ultimately left us without an educator to perform those duties," he said. Dr. Fosnott added the open position is a one‑year leave replacement and that the district reopened the posting after the previous meeting.

Dr. Fosnott told the board that as of the meeting two applicants had applied and were scheduled to be interviewed later that week. He described the staffing shortage as the main reason the district reduced the grade span in which orchestra is offered, and said the district is continuing recruitment efforts.

Brad Shaw, director of sales and marketing at Eckroth Music, spoke during the public‑comment period and said his company was working with the district to help find a qualified teacher. "At Eckroth Music, we're committed to helping find a qualified teacher for this vacancy... we are continuing to work with our large network of teachers from Montana all the way to Western Wisconsin to try and find a teacher to fill this important vacancy," Shaw said.

No board action on elementary orchestra policy was recorded at the meeting; staff said they will continue recruitment and report back as hiring progresses.