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Parents and students urge Bellflower Unified to use Prop 28 funds for Mayfair Monsoon marching corps
Summary
Multiple parents and students asked the board to direct Prop 28 and district funds to fully fund Mayfair’s Monsoon marching corps — citing unpaid coaches, equipment needs, travel, and the risk that programs will shift to parade/pep formats rather than competitive field season.
A string of parents, students and program captains urged the board to prioritize Prop 28 and district funding for the Mayfair Monsoon marching corps and color guard, saying boosters and families are currently shouldering core expenses.
Maria Garcia, a parent, said the program “does so much more than keep students busy” and asked the district to subsidize staff, props, instruments and transportation. “Now we need our Bellflower Unified School District and our board of directors to prioritize funding for the Mayfair Monsoon marching corps,” Garcia said, noting the band’s Rose Parade performance and recent competition wins.
Student speakers reinforced the appeal. Alyssa Garcia, a junior and team captain, told the board that coaches are currently paid by boosters and that shifting field‑season programs into parade/pep formats would reduce competitive opportunities for younger students and future alumni. “Prop 28 is not being used to its fullest,” she said, and asked the board to allow Prop 28 funds to support the visual and percussion staff, front ensemble and color guard directors.
Haley Trim, a junior, described the program’s reliance on parent fundraising and the “fair share” fees that can be a barrier for families. Parent Christina Touche, who identified herself as a board member and parent, asked the board specifically to subsidize a visual caption head, percussion caption head, color guard director and related staff to ensure program access for all students. The superintendent and president asked staff to follow up with the group and report back to the board.
Board members acknowledged the comment period and asked the superintendent to meet with parents and staff to gather details so the board could consider funding options as part of the budget and program review process.
