FFHS band fundraiser reaches halfway mark
Published Thursday, June 5, 2008
The community Band Boosters group has reached the halfway mark in their efforts to raise money to support the funding of a full-time band instructor position at the Fergus Falls High School next year.
Budget cuts announced earlier this year would reduce the music department from three to two instructors. The move threatens the existence of extracurricular band activities such as homecoming field shows and the jazz, pep and marching bands.
Scott Kummrow, who has recently directed such activities, was announced as the teacher cut from the department.
In May the Boosters announced their plan to raise $50,000. Members of the school board agreed at that time to cooperate in efforts to bring the position back if the Boosters raised sufficient funds.
A tentative deadline of May 16 was set by the Boosters, but School Board Chairman Matt Lemke said the board would consider re-opening the position if money was raised this summer.
The tentative deadline was set by the Boosters to allow appropriate time for hiring decisions. Lemke said, if successful, hiring decisions will be made based on liscensure and seniority guidelines. He cannot guarantee that Kummrow will be offered the position.
Booster member Bonnie Denzel said the group will meet next week to discuss plans to raise remaining funds.
“We’re extremely optimistic,” Denzel said. “We got a really nice response with parents.”
The Boosters announced their fundraising plan to parents at the school’s band concert on May 8. Since then, they have sent out additional letters to parents, contacted alumni and have written out grant proposals.
If fundraising efforts are not successful, the school board and administration will meet at some point this summer to discuss specific band program cuts.
The Boosters’ plan to use community funds to support school district positions is not unprecedented. In March members of Brainerd community group, Music Matters, launched a similar community campaign to raise $100,000 to support two full-time music positions within the school district. In May the group presented funds to the school board and two full-time teaching positions were re-opened.
Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the Fergus Falls Band Boosters P.O. Box 115 Fergus Falls 56538.
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