Can’t stop the beat? We’ll see.
The first draft of proposed budget cuts for the Coupeville School District includes “elimination of the secondary band/music program.”
That program has been without its primary instructor since Jamar Jenkins was placed on paid administrative leave in January.
At that time Superintendent Steve King released a statement stating:
“In order to make sure you have accurate information I’m writing to inform you that Mr. Jenkins is on paid administrative leave while the concerns that were reported are being investigated.
“This leave is not disciplinary, and the district has reached no conclusions regarding what personnel actions, if any, may be appropriate.
“We ask for patience and respect for the investigative process, as well as your understanding that we are not able to discuss further specifics of the concerns at this time.”
The proposed budget cuts, which were discussed at a school board workshop Thursday, also call for the “elimination of one elementary specialist program – to be determined” and the reduction of up to six certified teacher positions “through a combination of attrition and Reduction in Force (RIF).”
In an email to the public sent out Friday, King stated the specialist programs under consideration are STEM and Art/Music.
“While both program reductions are difficult, they will help us keep class sizes down in our core academic program while achieving the financial reductions that need to be made,” he said.
At the workshop, King said the district has papers in hand for four teachers who are retiring or resigning and are waiting for confirmation on a fifth.
None of the departing teachers was named, with the superintendent citing privacy concerns.
In his Friday email, King stated the district will attempt to only “temporarily eliminate” the music program.
“This is a difficult decision, but our recent student numbers in the secondary band are much lower than expected due to the lack of student interest,” he said.
“Given our current financial situation and staffing challenges, we believe temporarily eliminating the program is our best option. We plan to bring back the program when it is financially viable.”
He went on to state that the district will seek to “find ways to provide after-school band/music opportunities for students through after-school clubs and possibly offer opportunities during tutorial periods.”
“In the long term, we believe that Coupeville should have a thriving band and music program, so we look forward to bringing the program back in the future,” King said.
The proposed cuts, part of what is termed a “modified education plan,” will be presented to the school board to vote on at its Thursday, April 25 meeting.
They are only the start, however.
District officials have stated they need to cut $1.66 million from the budget, in hopes of restoring the general fund balance to its preferred amount, which is 6% of the budget year’s expenditures.
“Any other reductions, including other programs and non-certificated staff, will be communicated sometime in May,” King said in his email.
“I will work with the board and, specifically, the board budget committee regarding future communication on decisions and possible feedback or question-and-answer opportunities.”
To see the modified education plan to be presented at the April 25 school board meeting, pop over to:
Click to access Modified%20Education%20Plan%2024-25.pdf
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