Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 2 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Music deserves saving
Published Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thousands of Fergus Falls children have completed their school days here with an appreciation for the arts, a sense of discipline and many fond memories thanks to their participation in District 544’s music programs.
Now, some of the extra-curricular programs that have made Fergus Falls schools a leader in music education are in danger of being lost to budget cuts.
One group, the Fergus Falls Band Boosters, hopes to prevent those cuts. We hope the Boosters are successful in raising the funds necessary to keep Fergus Falls music programs strong, and we urge individuals and businesses to give generously to the Boosters’ sponsor-a-child program.
The Band Boosters have asked the families of the district’s 500-or-so band participants to donate $100 per child to fend off budget cuts. And, of course, the invitation to support music education and extra-curriculars such as marching band, is open to those who don’t have a child in the band program.
The Boosters’ hope is to raise $50,000 by Friday, May 16, and then give the money to the school district with the request that it be used to save a band instructor position that will otherwise be cut.
This is the best sort of public-private partnership. In an ideal world, the issue of budget cuts would never come up. But this is not an ideal world. So those who support the arts have this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of students. Presuming the Band Boosters are successful, the school board will in turn have the opportunity to help children by finding a way to incorporate those funds into the district’s music programs.
Decreasing enrollments and education’s never-ending struggle to retain support in the face of other demands for tax dollars need not lead to lower quality education. The Band Boosters, with the help of parents and the community at large, have shown a way to keep important programs strong. We urge everyone who has an interest in the arts to support the Boosters’ effort this month.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by davieboy (anonymous) on May 14, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's sad that these cuts have to affect the arts in our school system. I know, "if they use it, they should pay for it"...But in a sense, "they" already are. The residents have been paying taxes all along and they were just asked to approve a Multi-Million tax increase to help refurbish the Fergus Falls School system. Yes, it certainly was needed it, but since then Fees for certain school related activities have doubled and cuts continue to be the order of the day for this school district. Now again, the people are being asked for another "fee" or say goodbye to a band teacher and other music related programs. $100 for every child that's in band can be significant for many people today, especially if they have several children in band. I don't know if anyone proposing these cuts has noticed, but it's getting a little difficult for the average person to afford to gas up a car, put food on the table, afford medical insurance, make a mortgage payment, as well as pay for a never ending parade of "Fees". Maybe that's the problem. The "average" person isn't the one proposing the cuts. The city is giving the Golf course how many thousands of $'s, but we may lose a music teacher and many of the programs that go along with the music department. That seems like a pretty messed up picture. 500 children utilize this program. What would happen if another 500 children left the school district for other schools who's finacial situation's and overall climate are healthier? Every time something like this happens, it suggests that there is something wrong with this school district's administration. It can't all be blamed on the "State". Kudos however to the Fergus Falls Band Boosters. At least someone is trying to find a way to save Music Education in Fergus Falls. The money the city is giving the golf course could have funded this program for almost 3 years, and who knows, maybe by then the economy will have improved, gas prices may be down and pigs will fly.
Posted by thethinker (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
davieboy - I couldn't have put it any more eloquently. Bravo.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)