Students urge Hamilton board to strengthen support for music programs

Emma Sumeyndo, a junior at Hamilton High School, told the board the Synergy ensemble has “fostered a positive environment” and that students and families are worried about district support after the program's director raised concerns about staffing and working conditions.

The comments, offered during the public comment period, organized several speakers who described financial and staffing pressures on music programs. Evan Rosenbaum urged trustees to give “a seat at the table” to those affected and presented research and suggested solutions. Another speaker identified only as John raised two main barriers: lack of funding and limited administrative attendance at band events.

The commenters said the group covers its own costs in part. Sumeyndo noted Synergy members pay roughly $400 annually to participate and that, this year, the program struggled to afford buses to competitions. “It confuses me how we can continue to give this life-changing support to everyone around us without the support from our own school,” Sumeyndo said.

Board Chair (the presiding trustee) and Superintendent present emphasized that, under open-meetings rules, the board cannot act on items not on the agenda that evening but said staff would follow up with commenters. The superintendent told attendees he would reach out to those who spoke in the coming days.

The public comments came ahead of related personnel and budget discussions on the agenda but did not prompt any immediate vote or directive. The board approved the published meeting agenda and continued with scheduled business.