Alumnus urges Person County board to reconsider band director reassignment

Robert Bumpus, a Person High School alumnus and percussion technician, told the Person County Board of Education that a decision to swap band directors between schools has left students distraught and should be reconsidered.

"These kids were in tears when they heard about the decision and it broke them to their core," Bumpus said, urging the board to "please at least take time to hear the kids out and listen to what they have to say." He said students and community members have built a long-standing connection to the current director and that losing that leader "hits hard." Bumpus identified former and current directors by name, described recent competitive recognition under current leadership and said he fears the reassignment will set the program back.

The board acknowledged the concern but said personnel matters are confidential. "There are some legal protections that we cannot discuss at this time," a board speaker told the students and parents who attended. Dr. Peterson responded to the crowd that, despite the change, "the band will be marching this year. You will be marching at football games," and said the incoming director, Mr. James, is "excited about going there" and intends to continue growing the program.

Board members thanked the students for attending and encouraged continued communication; no formal action to reverse the reassignment was taken during the meeting. The board's public response emphasized confidentiality around personnel decisions while assuring students they will have opportunities to perform in the coming season.

The issue was raised during the public comment portion of the board meeting; the board moved on to its published agenda after the exchange.