Performing Arts Boosters urge board to keep fifth‑grade band and middle‑school jazz

The Performing Arts Boosters president addressed the board during public comment to request reconsideration of a proposed cut to the fifth‑grade band and to urge retention of the middle‑school jazz ensemble. “Fifth grade band is a time students are introduced to the instruments,” the booster representative said, and noted many high‑school band students began in fifth grade while middle‑school jazz feeds the high‑school jazz program.

The speaker supplied participation data: roughly 160 students were in the district band program last year, with about 30% eligible for free or reduced lunch; fifth‑grade band had about 45 students and middle‑school jazz had 21 participants. The speaker emphasized equity concerns about moving programs to before/after school and highlighted that athletic coach stipends can be nearly three times the annual middle‑school jazz stipend.

The booster asked the board and administration to collaborate with the PAB to find options to sustain the fifth‑grade and middle‑school jazz programs, suggesting possibilities such as using high‑school student leaders, alternative staffing models, or revised scheduling that preserves transportation and equity.

Why it matters: the speakers framed band programs as foundational to sustained student engagement and opportunity, particularly for low‑income students who lack other access to music instruction.

What’s next: board members acknowledged the comment and the board will consider budget choices and staffing assignments as it finalizes the FY 2024‑25 budget and levy plans.

Source: Public comment delivered at the South Whidbey School District board meeting by the Performing Arts Boosters president (speaker 13).