Foundation approves budget and raises arts clinician funding for band and orchestra

At its final meeting of the year, foundation members voted to adopt the proposed foundation budget and to increase arts funding for band and orchestra clinicians.

A motion to adopt the budget was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair summarized the foundation's financial position, saying revenues were running above estimates and that the foundation had sufficient funds to cover expenditures. Members noted, however, that some scholarship endowments are accruing interest faster than awards are being distributed, creating an ongoing allocation challenge.

The band directors submitted a proposal asking for two clinicians and for students to be split into two groups so the clinicians could work more closely with smaller ensembles. The executive committee recommended the plan. A member moved to approve the band proposal for 2026–27 and also proposed increasing clinician allotments. That member amended the motion to increase funding for orchestra and band to $4,000 each (an increase of $2,000 for each); the amendment was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Members explained the funding rationale: clinician expenses (travel, lodging, meals) have increased and the foundation faces the end of one grant source (Marie Eccles Kane Foundation) after one more year, so reallocations and minor budget increases were needed to sustain concert programming. One member estimated clinician costs across the three groups (orchestra, band, choir) would be about $15,000 per year and noted choir funding had already been approved separately.

The amended motion passed with voice votes of 'Aye' and no recorded opposition. Members tasked staff with setting the specific budget language and noted the district acts as the foundation’s fiscal agent. The foundation will follow up with an explicit budget document showing the revised allocations.