Parents ask Pittsylvania County board to fund separate band directors as programs grow

Parents and community members told the Pittsylvania County School Board on Nov. 11 that the district needs dedicated band directors at middle and high schools to support rising student interest and retain instructors.

"I ask that the board fund and hire 4 new band instructors for each high school, middle school location for the 2627 school year," said James Shepherd, a parent and product of Pittsylvania County schools, noting that current staffing forces students to choose between marching band and diploma requirements.

Leslie Hatcher, speaking on behalf of Chatham band parents, urged the board to create separate, full‑time band director positions districtwide. She said Chatham Middle School grew from 54 band students in 2022 to 98 now, and that the combined program with the high school has "close to 150" students. Hatcher described a schedule that leaves the director with only two 45‑minute planning periods — one involving travel between schools — and said that the workload and year‑round practice schedule make it difficult for one person to run both programs.

"Our director is an asset to our program and retaining him may become an issue in the near future if we continue to grow," Hatcher said. She added that she will submit a more detailed proposal before the end of 2025.

Superintendent Mayhew acknowledged the bands' success elsewhere on the agenda, praising recent performances and noting program growth across the division. The board did not make a funding decision at the meeting; speakers asked members to consult their directors and consider staffing options.

The requests put staffing and budgeting choices on the board's work plan: administrators will need to estimate the cost and determine whether new positions can be accommodated within the upcoming budget or must wait for a formal proposal and funding approval.