Henry Raymond

Fairfax News => Current News & Events => Topic started by: vtoutdoorguymb on October 05, 2010, 10:37:22 PM

Title: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: vtoutdoorguymb on October 05, 2010, 10:37:22 PM
Attention all BFA Alums! I heard through the grapevine that BFA is planning on reducing the hours of BFA's band instructor Bruce McRae down to 75% of full time. In my opinion, this is the first step in the wrong direction for a school that has a rich and proud history of excellent and successful drama clubs and band. Arts are always the first to suffer from budgetary issues, but they play an important and valuable role in many students growth and education. I know that to many of us the arts had at least some positive part in our time at BFA. Whether it was drama or band or both, please, anyone who supports the arts (or Bruce) should contact the school and/or school board via email or phone and let them know your thoughts on this either way.

See the link below if you want some info on why the arts are so important.

http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/arts/joseph.htm (http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/arts/joseph.htm)
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Chris Santee on October 06, 2010, 06:26:15 AM
The School Board will be having a Meeting on October 11th.
I believe at 6:30pm in the Multi-Purpose Room for
"Budget Input from the Community"
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Luap on October 06, 2010, 12:04:42 PM
     It was quoted once by a former school administrator  that sport (BASEBALL)  was an art. I say let fair be fair. Band for non-sport students is the "sport of their choise.  Music festival is the "playoff game" of their "sport".  We should not deny them of it. (This goes for drama also).
     If you want to cut back on expenses, I think we should cut back on sport trips as well.  We should cut any sport trips UNDER JV sport.  We have enough students in school to form teams to play among each other.
     That is my opinion, what's yours.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: mkr on October 06, 2010, 12:15:00 PM
I would like to hear what the reasons behind cutting him back to 75% is. I wish I could attend the meeting but I have to work, so maybe someone could attend and fill us in.

I think Sports and the Arts are equally important.  I am also a believer in the boosters club and for the band to do fundraisers to help keep all the "games" going.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Margie on October 06, 2010, 12:55:38 PM
I agree with MK; I would like to hear the reasons behind cutting him back 25%.  We went thru this same thing quite a few years ago, but ultimately Bruce McRae was restored to full time within a year or so.  I don't know how the instrumental program works anymore, but doesn't Bruce deal with more than just Band?  I know there is another teacher too, so I wonder if reducing his time means actual class time would be removed?

The importance of the music program on my life is immeasurable, as was Drama.  For so many students, music and theatre are their entire extracurricular experience.  We need to continue to encourage the programs, not chisel them down, as I am concerned is happening to the drama program.

I will try to make that meeting on the 11th.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: logical on October 06, 2010, 01:29:44 PM
It would be interesting to know the reason for the cutback before people start speculating. 

I am a firm believe that both sports and drama/music programs are very important to building a child's foundation.  However, as has been pointed out to me several times when speaking on the issue of full day kindergarten, times are tough and cutbacks need to be made.  I do believe that these programs can continue with support from the community (i.e. booster clubs, etc.) and with support from the parents of the children participating.  My children participate in club sports (baseball & soccer) and as such WE as parents pay for their participation, not tax payers.  Perhaps that is how school sports and other extracurricular activities will go in the future as well.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Sue W. on October 06, 2010, 03:26:10 PM
I'd always heard that playing an instrument helped raise a child's grades.  I am not sure if the element of practice was responsible for this.  I've been the parent of a jock and a music kid, and always took comfort knowing that the music events were being held inside and out of the elements, mostly!  I think it is an important part of education.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: mkr on October 06, 2010, 03:34:02 PM
Aboslutely Sue!  I am a BFA graduate who played sports, in band, and in drama.  I like to think these helped me in many ways but some are a team player. have no fear talking in front of a crowd, and the music was a key player to express myself.  They are all important!  I look forward to hearing what Margie finds out.  Thanks for going!
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: David Shea on October 06, 2010, 04:12:40 PM
Wouldn't it be nice to have our cake and eat it to. 

It is my understanding that the school board needs to find $400,000.00 in cuts this year to level fund as is recommended by the VT Department of Education.   I too benefited by the music, drama and sports programs at BFA, however budget cuts of this size can only be found by staff reductions.  Only so much money can be saved by physical plant and office supplies.

Get ready for more staffing cuts as this is the only place where cost reductions of this size can be made.

On a side note, can anyone tell me how many children are currently playing in the band? How many children are taking private music lessons?  What is the percent reductions vs years past?
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: rod anode on October 06, 2010, 04:55:49 PM
in my opinion it is the parents responsibility to provide extra activities for their children not the schools and if that had been adhered to along time ago we wouldn't be in this mess now ,it has turned into a big babysitting job for someone else,take care and spend sometime with your kids the just might surprise you
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Chris Santee on October 06, 2010, 05:05:40 PM
The meeting on Monday, October 11th is at 6:00pm in the Multi-Purpose Room.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Vtsharon on October 06, 2010, 05:44:20 PM
As a BFA graduate I am concerned that music is going to take the hit - for me it provided the creative outlet and challenge that academics didn't. Not every kid is an athlete and for someone like me who was shy, music was important to finding my special talent and building my self confidence (Thank You Mac). Music/the arts shouldn't be the sacrificial lamb. Are there equal (%) cuts in athletics? Pretty sure the cost to fund any of the various sports teams is more expensive then music. Don't the coaches get paid? Don't they have to take care of the fields, gym, equipment, more travel costs, etc...
Fairfax isn't alone with this issue as the schools down here (NH seacoast) have already tried to cut the arts in our Middle School. Fortunately they found a way to spread the cuts throughout the school's programs.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: 7F24 on October 06, 2010, 08:06:56 PM
"in my opinion it is the parents responsibility to provide extra activities for their children not the schools and if that had been adhered to along time ago we wouldn't be in this mess now ,it has turned into a big babysitting job for someone else,take care and spend sometime with your kids the just might surprise you"

Do you concider reading and writing "extra activities", or is it music and sports you are talking about?  In my opinion they are all a part of an education, and all are important.  I'm going to the meeting, hope to see you there Ed.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: vtoutdoorguymb on October 06, 2010, 09:44:58 PM
I would like to echo a couple thoughts on here. As a student I was lucky enough to be involved not only in two sports throughout high school at BFA, but also was able to take part in band, the music festivals, and drama. So much of our education is forced upon us early in life, it is truly a shame that the parts of that experience that make it enjoyable AND educational are being threatened by budgetary issues.

As was said, for some students sports are either not an option or they have little interest in it. For many of these folks, the only activities that they truly enjoy are the arts. Whether art class, chorus, band or drama, these provide an outlet for growth and education unparalleled by standard classroom lessons.

I do have to bring up the point that band is a credited course at BFA, and has already been pushed to the bottom of the barrel since students wishing to learn to play an instrument must be at school a full hour before any other student. Sports, as important as they are, are rarely touched by monetary troubles and are not courses that provide credits toward graduation.

Reflecting on my personal experiences, I fully support sports and the arts, and there should be equal opportunities for both for our young people. Budget issues are an unfortunate part of the world we currently find ourselves in, but careful consideration should be made as to what compromises we are willing to make to meet these challenges. If the only way to reduce costs are to start cutting out these "extra curricular" activities then so be it, but it should be across the board, not picking and choosing which ones are deemed as less important or more dispensable than others.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: David Shea on October 06, 2010, 10:03:12 PM
I understand that the rumored cuts to the music program appear to be unfair.  A cut to any one program always looks that way, doesn't it?   Who is to say that this will be the only cut?  You can't tell me that 25% of a position will plug the $400,000.00 hole? 

Let's just assume that the number of students has dropped in the instrumental music program.  When I was in band from 1984 -1988 there were about 50 students in the high school band.  Every year 7-10 of us qualified for All New England Band, 10-15 qualified for All State Music Festival, prior to 1985 two students qualified for the McDonald Marching Band.

The last time that I went to a high school band concert at it looked like there were 25 kids in the band.  

Let just say that the 50% reduction in the number of students in band is true based on my observations, wouldn't it go without saying that the staffing level must be adjusted accordingly?  Wouldn't one also ask, what has happened since the late 1980's that has caused the decreased interest, retention rate, etc of students who are involved in musical instruction at BFA?

All of this being said... we need to look at the facts.  

Vermont is facing a huge budget deficit.  VT Department of Education is mandating 0% budget increases.  The Federal Government has forced programs upon schools that are not funded.

Before you shoot the messenger, decide what target to shoot.  There was a time when our school administrators and school board had a say in the budget.  The State of Vermont & Fed are now using our administration and board as the instrument of delivery of unfunded mandates.  These mandates must be funded & they come at the expense of programs.

If the problem looks unfair or oversimplified... look again.  Better yet volunteer to be on the school board, select board, planning or development review boards.  I know there will be opening soon... maybe somebody on this board could do a better job?  Or maybe we all could just stone you when difficult decisions need to be made?




Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: slpott on October 07, 2010, 04:17:37 AM
I would not think that our next generations education as a whole should be the target of "cut backs". Kids today barely have a chance as it is, growing up in this world. Some of these kids need physical dedication to stay on the right roads. Some need various ways of expression whether it be the arts or music. I could think of a lot of other ways to balance the budget. I personally would rather have an optional band teacher than an elementary music teacher. Soley my opinion. I also think that with the sports there is a community effort that comes together. Count the number of people that come and watch these games that don't even have kids in school. It is just as much a community effort and entertainment. Maybe there is a fee that we pay to offset the coach or maybe get a volunteer. It appears to me that the coaches are usually a teacher of some other sort. I praise them and as far as my family is concerned we love the sports and will do whatever we can to keep them. Especially soccer. (In our case).
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: mirjo on October 07, 2010, 11:51:19 PM
Quote
in my opinion it is the parents responsibility to provide extra activities for their children not the schools and if that had been adhered to along time ago we wouldn't be in this mess now ,it has turned into a big babysitting job for someone else,take care and spend sometime with your kids the just might surprise you

So, do I understand correctly Ed, what you're saying is that kids shouldn't be involved in any extracurricular activities?That they should only spend their free time with parents, because those parents with active kids don't spend enough time with them and if they bothered to, they'd be surprised by the experience? Just making sure I have it right.

It's a proven fact that students who participate in extracurricular activities are overall higher achievers, so there is something to be said/gained from arts/sports programs in schools. Parents' of said kids are generally very involved in attending these functions, volunteering time for the team/group; are therefore interacting with their child regularly and are much more in tune to and involved in what's going on in the school community in general. I'm not seeing a downside. If you've got one (other than the obvious $$) please share.

The one taboo subject that no one ever mentions, for politically correct reasons, is the REAL budget buster, year in year out. Anyone who has ever attended a budget meeting knows that the largest chunk of school funding is for teachers' salaries. I don't want to set off a firestorm about the injustice of it all, because WE KNOW, I know. Teachers have an important job that really isn't all that easy (regardless of all the perceived vacation time). They are public servants and get paid accordingly. We are all aware that salaries are not created equal in this country.

That being said, reality bites. Maybe it's time for the teachers' to go a year w/o a pay raise. It's not that I don't think they deserve one, I just think that every other sector has taken a hit in jobs, pay cuts, pay freezes, health care premium hikes, but when it comes to teachers everywhere there seems to be this sense of entitlement in the air around them simply, because they teach our kids. they shouldn't have to pay higher ins premiums are take a pay cut or anything that the rest of the American public is doing. They don't have to, they have the power to strike.

I personally feel it's a highly important job, but I also feel that the title also bears some altruism and this would be a good time for all teachers to show it. Prove that their career choice is truly about the kids--allowing any program cuts for the sake of their raise is not about the students.

I know their are union rules, but I think they could collectively agree to not take a raise. That's just one idea to keep costs down.
Probably an even bigger part of the problem is the government itself and all of the ridiculous mandates that are now in place.

Has anyone ever wondered why there are so many para-eds in the school? I don't know, but it seems like there was an explosion of paras in the past 10 or so years. I think the sixth grade alone has more para-eds than teachers. I'm sure the ratio is similar in the elm and 7/8th grade. They aren't paid a lot, but it adds up.

What's unfortunate is that many people have plenty to say about how a school is funded (and for good reason usually) but very few people attend the budget meetings and ask the  necessary questions to really find out where the money is being allocated and why.

So much for a quick response. :P
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: rod anode on October 08, 2010, 04:41:38 PM
im saying that the parents should pay for their kids activities dont make the taxpayer do it, that is what i am saying .if your kid wants to learn to skydive should the taxes pay for that ?i didnt think so . the same goes for music ,baseball ,soccer ,football ,painting ,drawing ,and whatever else happens there ,when I was in school we wanted to play baseball ,we found a way to pay for it,I think that just the process of getting together as a group with one thing focused on will bring a community much closer together that is what i`m saying
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: El Heff-ay on October 08, 2010, 06:57:06 PM
I am new to this , but I am going to ask that if you are at all concerned about this situation PLEASE attend the meeting on Monday night. My wife and I will be there and I have quite a list of questions. The only way we can get answers is by going to the meeting. I don't mean this in a bad way,  but bantering back and forth will do us no good. We all have our own opinions and that is what this country is all about. Board meetings are always open to the public and your comments are always heard. If you don't go you will let five individuals plus a select few others decide the future of your children. The board has until December 15th to submit their recomendations to the state. According to the minutes from the September 13th school Board meeting  after the meeting on the 11th, they have set another meeting for 25th at 6:30 for budget planning. There is another meeting on the 8th of November   (regular meeting), and according to the minutes November 22 if needed. So these are our chances. There have been numerous letters /emails written to Mr. Clark and more wouldn't hurt.

Just a sidebar, If you look at the announcement in another section of this great site There are three AP scholars recognized and all have been involved in music or the arts. Have a great evening.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Rev. Elizabeth on October 08, 2010, 07:17:04 PM
Many of the athletic teams raise much of their money through a variety of fund raising events: the football p layers sell gold cards; the nordic skiers sell citrus fruit, and have a skiathon...the list is endless.   There is interest in developing a sports booster club.    So in some ways, parents DO pay for the extracurricular activities--both through their support of the various fundraisers, and through their taxes.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: El Heff-ay on October 08, 2010, 08:23:32 PM
We have just started a new thing for the band in fact. It is called Friends of Music. it was an idea that came up from Bruce and Melisa (Band & Chorus) to come up with ways on how to get the community and parents more involved with the band / chorus and thuoghts to raise money to defray costs for trips and things. We actually had our first meeting on September 22 and figured out some ideas for a fund raiser for around the Holiday concert time. I don't have the next meeting date right now, but I'll post it when I get my hands on it. The band and chorus do some wonderful things and it would be a shame to lose that.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Mike Raburn on October 08, 2010, 10:24:54 PM
My wife "makes" me watch GLEE.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: trussell on October 08, 2010, 11:31:38 PM
I'm here for ya, Mike.  I have one of "those" wives too ;)
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: mirjo on October 09, 2010, 08:07:12 AM
Don't be dissin' Glee, it's good kitschy entertainment...

your wives make you watch it   is code for  you like the show, but not brave enough to publicly admit it!  ;-)
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Mike Raburn on October 09, 2010, 04:56:31 PM
Shhhhhhh.

I don't wanna turn in my Man card.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: mirjo on October 10, 2010, 09:39:55 AM
No worries Mike, I got your back. your secret is safe with me!
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: FletcherGram on October 10, 2010, 09:50:41 AM
Mirjo, Bravo and well said. This topic isn't just for the Fairfax school system but for all school systems and school boards.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: mirjo on October 10, 2010, 10:56:16 AM
Quote
when I was in school we wanted to play baseball ,we found a way to pay for it,I think that just the process of getting together as a group with one thing focused on will bring a community much closer together that is what i`m saying

I have to ask (not in a mean way), where and in what era did you go to school? For as long as I can recall, a sport like baseball at the HS level has been funded by the school. That may not be true for all schools, so that may have been the case for yours.

I hear what you're saying and I don't entirely disagree; however, as part of the curriculum, students are required to have at least 1 fine arts credit  to graduate. I don't know if this is a state standard or a BFA standard, but it's a requirement none-the-less. The music program is considered a fine art and is part of that crediting process.

So, while the arts are considered an integral part of a well rounded education (and they are) I think all of the art programs, including band be covered under the  budget umbrella. The extra curricular stuff the band does should be subsidized with fundraisers (& I think it is), but it's a credited course and should be treated as such.

As for the sports programs at BFA, I believe they are dually funded by the school and the boosters. The Friend's of Fairfax Football were such successful fundraisers over several years by starting and continuing a successful DIII football program. They have been able to turn the team over to the school. The board voted to dissolve the FFF and established BFA,BFA (BFA Boosters of Fairfax Athletics) which supports all athletic teams. Katie Ballard is the president and Karen Langelier is the VP. You can become a member at a tiered level starting at $10. Memberships run from July1-June 30.

Since the community really supports these teams by coming out to the games, this is one more way to support them that takes some of the burden off of the school. The middle school sports main expense is in the travel and whatever small amount the coach is paid--those kids get the old JV and varsity uniforms to wear--at least for soccer & BB. I don't know about spring sports. The Nordic skiers supply  their own  equipment and hold fundraisers for trips.

I'm thinking that the perceived cost issue with sports isn't as big as imagined, but questions aren't being asked of the right people. There is an issue with school sports and transportation--the school has to transport teams, it's a liability/insurance issue, I believe. I may be wrong, but I believe there is some kind of insurance/liability issue that requires the school to be involved at a certain level.

So as with all things in life, it's not a black & white issue. Going back to what David Shea pointed out before, if the participation level of band students has dropped  such that a reduction in the amt of time a teacher is needed warrants the cut, then that's something that should be looked at, but there was always far more for the band teacher to do than band--ind lessons was one thing.

Again as I said previously, if schools are expected to level fund budgets this year, teachers should be expected to level fund their salaries also. with a little tweaking of things that need it and a faculty pay freeze for the year, I would bet that budgets would easily stay in line where they need to be. Just a thought...
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Chris Santee on October 11, 2010, 06:36:23 AM
Meeting Tonight at 6:00pm in the Multi-Purpose Room at BFA Fairfax.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: CindyG on October 12, 2010, 05:03:40 PM
Does anyone have any updates from the meeting?

I am concerned about this issue as well.

Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Rev. Elizabeth on October 12, 2010, 07:34:29 PM
the supervisory union is on facebook and they have a screening of the meeting available for viewing.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: El Heff-ay on October 13, 2010, 10:36:35 AM
That's just the slide show that Mr. Hirsch (Superintendant) presented. Does not show the BFA proposed cuts. These were given by the individual principals in public session. There were cuts in Elementary, Middle and High School. The cuts were just read off. There was no slide presentations. If you didn't have a quick pen or a fantastic ear you were in trouble. a lot of noise in the room from the juice machines. They got unplugged so people could hear.

Haven't seen any Meeting Minutes posted anywhere yet.

There is another post about Meeting Minutes on this site. It shows the same slide show as the Facebook one. This was posted by Henry as provided from the Natasha Supervisory Union.
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: El Heff-ay on October 13, 2010, 11:48:19 AM
My apologies. I misspelled the superintendants name. It is Mr. Kirsch
Title: Re: BFA cutting down on the arts?
Post by: Franklin West SU on October 18, 2010, 12:02:25 PM
The minutes of the school board meetings are posted here:
http://fairfaxsbvt.pbworks.com/w/page/Meetings (http://fairfaxsbvt.pbworks.com/w/page/Meetings)
Thanks!