As we all have heard, the Governor is making severe cuts in the education
budget. The GNA School Board is scheduled to meet on June 23. At that time,
the budget for the 2011-2012 is expected to be voted on. I don't know what
cuts are being planned but I do know that music programs are usually a
favorite target. We know other school districts in the area are losing music
educators, band directors, music programs, etc.
It's on our shoulders to support our kids' music future - and the future of
the Nanticoke music educators, band directors and music program. Should our
School Board choose to make cuts in the music program, it will severely
affect the current program as well as the future for the program. PLEASE
call, visit, e-mail each and every one of our school board members to stress
to them the importance of keeping music in our schools - elementary, ed
center and high school. Also, plan on attending the School Board meeting.
We (parents, student, alumni, alumni parents, etc.) need to get active NOW!
The future of our music program requires the support of the school board as
it will die if drastic changes are made. This needs to happen before the
school board meeting on June 23rd. This is when the board plans to pass the
budget and then it will be too late.
This is not the time to let it fall on someone else to speak up. We, with
the chorus parents, must fight for the future of music at Greater Nanticoke
Area. If we do not show our support for the music program at GNA to the
school board, they will assume it's not important enough to save. Our
silence will speak volumes.
GNA School Officials
Mr. Robert Raineri, President
Mr. Ken James, Vice-President
Mr. Jeff Kozlofski
Mr. Gary Smith
Mrs. Cindy Donlin
Mr. Frank Vandermark
Mr. Tony Prushinski
Mr. Ryan Verazin
Mr. Frank Shepanski
If you know a school board member, please call or visit them to let them know
how important it is to keep the music program unchanged. Between band, color
guard and chorus, we have nearly 200 students participating - from 5th grade
on up. 5 of the top 10 seniors this year were involved in music. The
valedictorian and salutatorians were in either in band, chorus or both.