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District warns music enrollment could be capped if voters reject proposal to expand rehearsal space
Summary
Fredonia’s music leader says more than 900 students participate in ensembles; Proposition 2 would expand rehearsal and practice space, improve accessibility and is expected to be 78% state-funded with a local cost of about $37 per year for the average taxpayer.
Andy Bennett, the music department instructional leader for the Fredonia Central School District, told viewers the district’s music program has grown to levels not seen in 25 years: "This year, over 900 students are participating in our ensembles," he said.
Bennett described current rehearsal spaces as too small to hold many ensembles together and said several rooms struggle to meet fire code and accessibility standards; he noted the chorus room is "not fully accessible to handicapped students." He said Proposition 2 would enlarge rehearsal spaces, add practice rooms and bring music facilities up to modern code.
Bennett said 78% of Proposition 2 costs would be covered by state aid, leaving an estimated local share of about $37 per year for the average Fredonia taxpayer. He warned that if Proposition 2 does not pass, the district is "talking about capping music enrollment and limiting the number of students that can participate in an ensemble." Bennett framed the proposal as a way to preserve broad access to music education for current and future students.
Bennett also stressed that Proposition 2 is contingent on Proposition 1 passing, meaning the larger ‘‘warm, safe and dry’’ investments must be approved for Proposition 2 to move forward. The district asked voters to consider the proposal when they vote on Dec. 12.
Next steps: voters decide on Dec. 12; passage of Proposition 1 is a precondition for Proposition 2.
