EDITOR: The music education program for grades K-4 is the only academic program that has been discussed as a possible cut by the Jefferson School Board. Furthermore, the Board is also considering funding a new foreign language program for the middle school, “to prepare students for high school,” according to at least one Board member. This means they propose to discontinue funding an existing program that encompasses five years of foundation building education, and instead fund an entirely new program of electives available only to middle school students. While the total cost of the new program would be less, the compensation rate (less benefits) is effectively the same.
Both of us, having taken two years of one foreign language in high school and 3 semesters of another in college, believe that the foundations in music that enhanced learning techniques and provided analogy to mathematics, along with music appreciation and understanding, were far more preparatory than learning a foreign language in middle school would have been.
After it became apparent at the April 9th Board meeting that a grant opportunity had been missed that could have helped fund the music program, an idea was raised that would allow both programs to co-exist. The idea is that the district hires a consultant with experience in acquiring grant monies. While this solution may initially involve using additional monies from the General Fund, it would be an asset to have such a source that could dedicate time to seeking and following-up on funding opportunities. If successful, the grant monies generated by the efforts of this consultant would more than make up for the investment, and the funding would then benefit many existing programs as well as make possible some programs that might otherwise remain on the district's wish list. It could be thought of as an investment in our children.
Being payers of several thousands of dollars in mello roos taxes has us greatly concerned as to how such cuts could occur. Being parents of two children in the primary grades has us outraged that such cuts – that threaten our children’s future – would even be considered.
A special Jefferson School District Board of Trustees meeting has been called specifically to further discuss the budget issues. This meeting will take place on Monday, April 22 at 6:00 pm in the Jefferson Middle School cafeteria, 7500 West Linne Road in Tracy. It has been re-iterated time and again that the budget will not be finalized until June. What is not said, however, is that a list of proposed cuts, upon which the budget is being projected, has already been made. At the top of this list is the music program. When asked why, superintendent Ed Quinn replied, "Cost." However, he went on to say that the personnel would be retained, which suggests cutting the music program will not actually allow the district to spend less money - just allow priority/funding shifts. That is why the April 22 meeting is so important. It was called specifically to further discuss the budget issues. If you have concerns, ideas for solutions, or just wish to show your support, please join us at this meeting, or at very least, add your name to our petition found on www.musicforjefferson.org.
Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Therefore, there will also be a regular meeting on May 14 and June 11, both at 6:30 pm in the same location. We hope to see you there!
Dan & Anne Wells
Tracy