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Students urge Carteret County board to fund second band director for West Carteret High
Summary
Two student speakers at the March 4 Carteret County Public Schools board meeting urged the board to fund an assistant band director for West Carteret High School, citing heavy workloads for the lone director and program growth that depends on added staff and funding.
At the March 4 Carteret County Public Schools board meeting, students urged the board to fund an assistant band director for West Carteret High School to support a rapidly growing program and relieve the workload of the current director.
"I think I can speak on behalf of the program for this one but we need someone to lighten the load for him," Payton Williams, a West Carter freshman and section representative, told the board. Williams praised director Mr. Wright as "a once-in-a-lifetime kind of educator" and estimated that he works about "a 70-hour work week," saying the program needs additional staff and financial support for props, uniforms and rehearsal coverage.
Dylan Reid, junior drum major at West Carter, said the band runs four distinct ensembles requiring separate rehearsals and instruction, creating a "significant instructional and logistical workload for one person." "Funding a second band director is not about fixing a problem. It is about protecting and strengthening a program that is already thriving," Reid said, urging the board to invest in assistant staff so rehearsals are safer and students receive more individualized instruction.
Both students described the band as a force for student leadership and community engagement, noting participation in state ensembles and community events such as Veterans Day and homecoming parades. Williams said the band helped her stay in school and pursue music education in college, and both speakers credited parent volunteers while arguing that long-term stability requires paid staff.
Board members thanked the students for speaking and praised their advocacy, but the meeting record does not show a formal decision or directive from the board to fund additional band staff during this session. Superintendent-level staff and board members acknowledged March as National Music in Our Schools Month and noted the district is aware of program needs.
The board will next meet Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m.; the March 4 meeting record does not list a timeline or budget appropriation tied to the students' request.
