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Parents, students and teachers urge board to reverse cuts to elementary music and re‑hire laid‑off educators
Summary
Dozens of students, parents and staff told the Corvallis School District 509J board that proposed cuts to elementary music and recent layoffs will harm student well‑being, equity and long‑term enrollment; speakers asked the board to reprioritize spending and rehire affected teachers.
Community members filled public comment to protest recent staff layoffs and cuts to elementary music, saying the changes erode programs that build student belonging and academic confidence. Multiple students described music as a formative experience that created friendships and a sense of safety; Mars Wuhs said music provided a “safe space where they found friends and felt secure.”
Teachers, union leaders and parents urged the board to restore positions and avoid spreading remaining music instruction more thinly across teachers. Christa Schmeder, speaking for 21 certified staff affected by layoffs, warned the district may lose the chance to rehire skilled educators and described the personal and classroom impacts of removing experienced teachers. Several commenters said cuts reverse gains funded by past levies and could jeopardize future community support.
Speakers linked district communication and timing of cuts to community frustration. Parent Amanda Cordis criticized delayed publication of budget survey results after staff reductions were announced; others asked the board to make reserve and compensation decisions more transparent. Catherine Dunn raised concerns about administrative compensation, citing a reported $80,000 superintendent raise figure; Chair Luhui Whitebear later clarified the increase since 2020 is “about $76,730.”
Board members acknowledged the strength of public testimony and emphasized the limits and complexities of budget decisions. Directors repeatedly expressed support for music education and invited continued community engagement as the district navigates unfunded state mandates and declining revenues. The meeting produced no reversal of the approved layoffs during public comment; formal budget actions would require future board decisions.
