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Spotsylvania parents ask board for $25,000 per high school to reduce marching band dues
Summary
Band parents from multiple high schools told the board the county's marching band programs rely heavily on student dues and fundraising and requested $25,000 per band to reduce fees and expand access; presenters estimated annual program costs near $60,000 and said dues range from $250'$450 per student.
Multiple parent association leaders and band volunteers urged the Spotsylvania County School Board on Jan. 12 to dedicate district funding to high school marching bands.
Speakers from Massaponics, Chancellor, Cortland and Riverbend described large operating budgets (presenters estimated roughly $60,000 to $65,000 per school for a marching season), extensive fundraising burdens and student dues reported at levels between $250 and $450 per year. Lisa Pape said Massaponics's program serves 63 students and that the association faces recurrent costs for music licensing, uniform maintenance, instruments, competition fees and stipends for instructional staff beyond the two county-funded positions.
Representatives requested a district allocation of $25,000 annually per high school marching band (a combined request of $125,000 across five high schools) to reduce student dues, cover essential operating costs and pay additional instructors. Parents and volunteers said current fundraising requires many events and that financial aid covers only a small share of students in need; they also noted that marching band students are frequently high-achieving academically and that band participation supports scholarship opportunities.
Speakers said the funds would be used for essentials including assistant instructor pay, instrument repair or replacement, music and drill design, competition fees, and logistics. Multiple presenters pledged to follow up at the upcoming budget meeting to submit a formal request.
The board did not take a funding vote at the meeting; presenters asked the board to consider the request as part of the division's budget process.
