Lemon Grove trustees reject proposed certificated cuts after parents and teachers plead to save music program

The Lemon Grove School District Governing Board on March 8 rejected a proposal to reduce certificated staff that would have cut instructional positions, following emotional public comment urging the board to preserve the schools’ music program.

Trustee Greg Shibley moved to adopt Resolution No. 2021-22-09, a plan to implement certificated reductions. The motion failed; the board recorded unanimous opposition to the proposal, effectively leaving certificated staffing levels unchanged.

Parents, students and teachers had urged trustees to reconsider cuts to a .5 reduction proposed for the Lemon Grove Academy Middle (LGAM) music position. Toby Ahrens, music and band teacher at LGAM, told the board that reducing his position would deny many students access to instrumental band, drumline and digital music instruction and said, “band saved my life.” Frank Wolftange, a 22-year U.S. history teacher at LGAM, and parents described students who had become more engaged, confident and academically invested after joining band and related programs.

Stefanie Ortiz, a Lemon Grove native and parent, said her daughters began music in Mr. Ahrens’ class and that the syllabus’ promise — “This class will change your life” — had proved true for them. Other speakers, including Gwyneth George and Donna Trask, urged trustees to look beyond short-term savings and focus on student opportunities.

Board members did not make a substitute motion to approve certificated reductions after public comment. The record shows the classified reduction resolution (Resolution No. 2021-22-10) was approved separately. The meeting included a reported closed-session personnel action involving a separate probationary certificated employee (see related article).