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Students and parents urge Yakima School Board to preserve middle-school music programs amid proposed cuts
Summary
Dozens of students, parents and alumni told the Yakima School Board on April 21 that proposed staffing reductions that would eliminate a middle-school music position and shrink band/orchestra offerings would harm student wellbeing, reduce access and overwhelm remaining teachers with classes of 80–140 students.
At the Yakima School Board meeting on April 21, dozens of students, parents and community members delivered urgent public comments urging the board to preserve middle‑school music staff and programs after district staffing changes signaled that at least one music position could be eliminated.
Students and parents from Lewis and Clark, Franklin and other middle schools described the programs as essential to mental health, school engagement and future opportunities. ‘‘Music gives students a place to belong and I ask you to please continue supporting these programs,’’ said Samuel Garduno, a Lewis and Clark student, during the public comment period. Several speakers said more than 100 students signed up for beginning band at Lewis and Clark for next year, and that cutting a second beginning period would force one teacher to handle an untenable roster.
Parents and students raised…
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