MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Note: This story has been corrected to clarify who organized the meeting with the band parents. We regret any confusion that this may have caused.
BUHLER, Kan. - A parent driven petition drive has been started in the Buhler School District. According to a Facebook post, two of the districts band directors are leaving at the end of the year, and only one of those positions will be replaced.
The petition goes on to say, “The Buhler Band program is known for its tradition of excellence—not just in performance, but in building leadership, discipline, and community among students. Reducing staff undermines that legacy and sends a message that our students’ experiences in the arts are not a priority.”
The parents want the district administration and board to continue to keep the Buhler Band program fully staffed to, “preserve the quality and opportunities it offers”.
Cindy Couchman, the Superintendent of Schools said that she called a meeting with the band parents to seek input from them on the possibility of decreasing band staff from four instructors to three due to declining enrollment.
Couchman went on to say that there are no band program changes being made.
The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the cafeteria at Buhler High School.