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Students, alumni and parents urge Connellsville board to preserve full‑time music teacher
Summary
More than two dozen students, alumni and parents urged the board to keep a full-time high‑school music teacher after administrators proposed reducing music staffing. Speakers warned a long‑term substitute cannot replace a certified teacher and pressed the board to consider a small millage increase to fund the hire.
Dozens of students, alumni and parents told the Connellsville Area School District board on Monday that the district—s music program would be harmed if administrators reduce high-school music staffing from the current level to 1.5 certified positions and rely on a long‑term substitute to fill gaps.
Current and former students described one‑on‑one lessons, Falcon time and electives that they said would disappear without a full‑time teacher. "The band program is one singular program offered by the school that pays you a return that far exceeds your investment," Justin Greenawalt, president of the Class of 2004 and a Connellsville High School alumnus, told the board.
Speakers warned that a building substitute or long‑term sub cannot reliably provide lessons, run multiple ensembles and maintain marching‑band continuity. "If you don't have the substitute who knows what they're doing, well, then that's just a waste of the school district's money," Roy Mitchell, an area music professional and alumnus, said.
Board discussion earlier in the meeting included a proposal from Board member Mr. Kokenower to place an item on next month—s agenda to consider a tax change to fund an additional music position. Mr. Kokenower described a quarter‑mill increase as "about $24 a year on a $100,000 assessed value," and said the board could put both the salary and the millage on next month—s agenda so voters and the board could act together.
Administration response: the superintendent told attendees the administration and the board "fully support our music and fine arts programs" and said the district would not make decisions that it believes would jeopardize the department—s integrity. The superintendent also said administrators would look for funding and options; no final staffing decision was recorded at the meeting.
Why it matters: Music program staffing affects course offerings, lesson time, marching band and students— opportunities to pursue music as a career. Multiple speakers cited research and personal experience tying music participation to academic and social benefits.
What happens next: The board agreed to place a funding proposal and a hiring motion on next month—s agenda; stakeholders said they will return to the meeting to vote.
