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Mukwonago staff propose shifting orchestra to grade 5, band to grade 6 amid move to 6–8 middle school
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Summary
District presenters outlined a multi-year music plan tied to the planned 6–8 middle school: for 2026–27 elementary orchestra/band would have reduced pull-out frequency; for 2027–28 orchestra would begin in fifth grade and band in sixth, with sixth-grade music required by state statute. Board members and parents pressed for staffing data and alternatives to pullouts.
District presenters laid out a staged plan for the district’s music programs tied to the transition to a 6–8 middle school in 2027–28. For 2026–27, the recommended elementary model keeps band and orchestra but reduces large-group frequency to one 20-minute small-group lesson per week and one 30-minute large-group rehearsal per week, with large groups scheduled during recess to limit classroom disruption.
The presenters said the district’s recommended structure for 2027–28 would move orchestra to begin in fifth grade and band to begin in sixth grade. “Sixth grade music will be required per state statute,” the presenter noted when describing middle-school requirements. The district emphasized that the proposal was developed over several months and included teacher input and stakeholder feedback.
Why it matters: Administrators said the changes respond to developmental differences between string and band instruments, scheduling constraints and staffing realities. The district described the plan as aiming to be staff-neutral for 2026–27; presenters said a status-quo model would have required roughly two additional full‑time equivalent positions.
During public comment and board Q&A, parents and members pressed for clarity on staffing, scheduling and instructional trade-offs. Danielle Gordon asked whether adding 4K into general music increases staffing needs and why custodial/student services staff appeared to be added while additional teachers were not. A district presenter said staffing projections for maintaining the current model had been presented previously and that the proposed plan is intended to remain staff‑neutral.
Board members and community speakers urged alternatives to pull-out lessons, including offering instruction before/after school or through third‑party clubs. A presenter said the music team considered after‑school and club options but favored a curricular pull‑out model to ensure consistency and control over student learning. The presenters said summer “jump start” programs and existing summer camps provide additional entry points for younger students.
The board asked administrators to return with follow-up information, including more detailed staffing and scheduling scenarios and options for club or non‑pullout models. Several board members signaled they wanted additional details before final approval; the administration said it would prepare communications for families and finalize metrics of success to monitor outcomes if the board approves the model.
The board did not take a final vote on the music proposal at this meeting; members directed staff to provide follow‑up detail and expected the item to return for action in upcoming meetings.
