BOTHELL, Wash. — Facing a $26 million budget shortfall for the next school year, the Northshore School District School Board announced it intends to cut the fifth-grade music program.
The board voted Monday to remove contract language protecting the teachers who run the program from being cut. However, the program isn't officially gone until the budget cut-off in June.
The program, which includes orchestra and band, has been around for more than 40 years and puts instruments in the hands of hundreds of kids who might not otherwise have the chance to learn music. The elimination of the fifth-grade program will save the district about $780,000.
The decision comes as the district has had to take a closer look at what programs it can afford to keep while protecting teachers and class sizes.
The fourth-grade program was cut during the pandemic.
It's one of a laundry list of programs being reconsidered right now.
State funding isn't keeping up with the cost of education - especially for special education and multi-lingual services - leaving beloved programs like music on the chopping block. Rising insurance utility rates have been a burden, as well. Falling enrollments since the pandemic have meant less money for districts across Washington.
The district had to make $20 million in cuts to last year’s budget.
Teachers have already reluctantly approved the cuts. They just need to be voted on by the school board.
Families turned out to the school board meeting on Monday, hoping to convince members to keep the program.
"It feels like we're being asked to chop off our hand or our foot," Emily Ponten said.
Ponten learned to play violin in the Northshore schools. Now, she teaches music in the district.
She believes there could have been more cuts to administrators rather than kid's programs.
"Especially since admin salaries are very high," Ponten said. "I think most of those people could live with 50 grand less considering how high some of these salaries are, but these students won't get a program."
