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Parents and residents urge Rock Ridge board to restore music programs
Summary
Multiple parents and residents told the Rock Ridge board that cuts to orchestra and general-music offerings will harm students and the district’s enrollment, citing student success stories and a consultant’s data; speakers asked trustees to use reserves or restore specific classes.
Public commenters at the Rock Ridge Public Schools board meeting urged trustees to reverse or soften proposed cuts to music instruction, arguing the programs contribute to student growth and district enrollment.
Sarah Alexander opened the public-comment period by asking the board to “do anything you can to keep supporting all of the music teachers and all of the music programs,” saying music “lasts throughout a lifetime.” Julie Savatos described her daughter Stella, who is deaf and uses cochlear implants, and said orchestra and cello lessons unlocked academic, social and confidence gains that would be lost if staffing were cut. “I’m concerned that the plan cuts to our music department and teaching staff threaten the integrity of what was a robust and diverse curriculum that attracts families like mine,” Savatos said.
Parent Kelsey Norbidge told trustees that long-standing music offerings drew her family to the district and highlighted recommendations from a Rockbridge Music Task Force and a consultant’s review that the board had received. Paul Gregerson framed the argument in fiscal terms, saying families open-enroll into Rock Ridge because of music and estimating per-student revenue at $7,500; he warned that cutting programs could accelerate enrollment losses. “You cannot cut things that are proportionally increasing open enrollment,” Gregerson said.
Board members acknowledged the difficult budget climate and the need for data. Trustees asked administration for up-to-date open-enrollment figures and noted the district’s reserve funds; public speakers urged trustees to consider restoring sixth-grade instrumental and vocal lessons, fifth-grade orchestra, choir and general-music offerings at the junior-high level.
The public-comment block concluded without a board decision on music staffing; staff and the board scheduled further discussion on the topic in upcoming meetings.
