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Parents, students urge Warren Township board to preserve middle‑school electives and performing arts
Summary
Multiple parents, students and community members told the MSD Warren Township board that a proposed middle‑school scheduling model that forces students to choose between reading‑acceleration supports and electives would harm music and performing‑arts pipelines, equity, and student development.
Parents, students and performing‑arts advocates urged the MSD Warren Township Board of Trustees on Monday to preserve middle‑school electives, warning that a proposed schedule change would force many eighth‑grade students to choose between literacy acceleration and courses such as band, orchestra, choir, art and STEM.
The appeals came during the meeting’s public‑comment period. Carrie Shepherd, a parent, said the change would “unintentionally push out performing arts by making it an either or,” and described how access to middle‑school orchestra and band helped her children succeed academically and socially. “Music alone can help improve education, specifically reading and math scores,” she said.
Parents and community members framed the issue as one of opportunity and equity. Trisha Hailo, a parent and longtime music supporter, said starting music early is essential to sustain the district’s elite programs, and expressed concern that transportation limits and recent scheduling moves have already jeopardized students’ ability to attend out‑of‑state competitions. “Our directors actually had to get certified to drive buses,” she said, calling the workarounds unsustainable.
Speakers gave concrete examples. Ted Franklin, a parent and marching‑band participant, said the district previously expanded access to performing arts by adding sixth‑grade opportunities and that eliminating those options now would harm a program that produces high‑performing students. Yvonne Hollins highlighted district accolades, including state championships and national recognition, and that a graduating senior earned a $10,000 scholarship based on music participation.
Several commenters tied the arts to measurable outcomes and pipeline development: Maria Guti described Warren Central Performing Arts as the district’s “crown jewel,” and Chris Walthers recounted that Warren’s World Guard placed seventh at a national competition. Kim Walters, whose family has long been involved in district activities, said restricting electives will remove opportunities that shaped her older child’s success in college and beyond.
Board members thanked speakers and said they value community input. President Burke acknowledged the comments and directed staff to remain available via email for follow‑up.
The board did not take formal action on the schedule at the meeting; speakers were invited to submit additional information and staff will continue to work through scheduling details and state requirements.
The next board meeting will include further discussion of school schedules and related policy changes, according to staff.
