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Students and parents urge board to save Summit choir, warn budget cuts will end program
Summary
Students and parents appealed to the board to reverse proposed choir staffing cuts and to preserve Skyliner jazz choir and a dedicated choir teacher at Summit High School, saying cuts would dismantle the program and reduce student belonging and future college opportunities.
Cassidy Yates, a Summit High sophomore representing the Summit choir, asked the board to "reconsider the recent budget cuts that will eliminate our advanced Skyliner jazz choir and remove our choir director, Brian Seed, from Summit High School." She said losing the teacher and ensemble would "fundamentally change our program and eventually end it," remove advanced vocal opportunities and likely prompt many students to leave choir.
Yates recounted the choir'''s history and connection to late founder Melissa Jaco and described the program'''s role in students''' lives: "Choir has given me and so many others a place where we feel like we can belong." She asked the board to honor Jaco's legacy and restore staff and the Skyliner ensemble.
Other public commenters raised related concerns. Carmen (a parent and school advocate) described her neurodivergent son's repeated classroom removals and a trip to the emergency room, urging more consistent supportive placements for students who need structured environments. Melissa Barnes Delacchia, representing Bend International School, asked the board to reconsider MOU language that would remove a full‑time learning specialist, warning that the change would disrupt services for students with special needs.
Board members thanked the students and staff for speaking and said they would continue conversations about arts funding, future levies that might support permanent arts staffing, and review of MOU and special‑education staffing decisions. Several directors said arts programs and CTE are priorities the district should protect, and asked staff to continue outreach with students and families about potential alternatives.
