Williamston board approves nearly $350,000 in bond-funded band instrument purchases after student plea

A student public commenter urged the Williamston Community Schools board on Feb. 2 to provide more district-owned large instruments for band, saying many instruments “can cost $8,000 to $10,000” and that students without access struggle to practice at home. “My name is Finn, and I go to Warmsby Middle School,” the student said in a three-minute public comment.

Board members voted later that meeting to approve two bond-funded purchases for band instruments. The board approved up to $180,978.92 for high school instruments and up to $168,183.43 for middle school instruments, with funds coming from the district’s 2024 bond. Motions were moved and seconded and passed by roll call, with all members voting in favor.

Superintendent and board members thanked the student for speaking during public comment and noted the item had been placed on the action agenda that evening. The board’s approval authorizes the purchases as detailed in high school and middle school requests; the motions did not specify vendor names in the meeting record.

The purchases were presented as part of a list of bond-funded facility and equipment actions the board considered at the Feb. 2 meeting. Board members emphasized the district’s commitment to student access to music programs and acknowledged the cost barriers families can face when large or specialty instruments are required.