Marching band tops school board's agenda

This article submitted by Linda Stelling on 3/3/98.

Bryan Mara, PHS band director, brought a summer marching band proposal to the board at their Tuesday night meeting.

Mara told the board he has heard from eight communities about parades in June. Mara asked if the positions placed on the salary schedule during negotiations couldn’t be activated.

During negotiations, the board placed on the “c” salary schedule a pay schedule for a marching band director, assistant director, drumline leader and color guard coordinator.

“The board listened to his proposal and reacted favorably,” Superintendent Howard Caldwell said. “However, there were too many unanswered questions and loose ends. Mara was asked to bring back more information to the board within the next month.

“The board gave Mara encouragement to pursue the marching band concept,” Caldwell said. It will cost the district about $7,000 for the four positions. They will work with the band from the end of May through June.

Mara explained to the board that fund raising projects are being planned to help cover expenses.

Superintendent Caldwell explained that each year the budget must be reviewed and adjustments made to better reflect the ongoing changes that occur since the last approved budget.

“With declining enrollment, the revenues are not as great as anticipated,” he told the board. Other adjustments needing to be made include the teacher contract settlement and known and unknown legislative outcomes.

Return to Archives