Fruitvale reduces music program
FRUITVALE: Teacher pleads for counseling staff
| Tuesday, Aug 11 2009 10:18 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Aug 12 2009 10:20 AM
Nobody liked the decision made at the Fruitvale School District meeting Tuesday night.
Not the parents. Not the teachers. Not even those who made the decision.
But everyone knew it could have been worse.
Settling on a course of action that likely would have been unthinkable in years past, Fruitvale trustees said they had little choice as they voted 5-0 to reduce -- but not eliminate -- the district's celebrated music program.
"Heartbreaking" cuts also are expected in counseling and physical education, though specifics have yet to be worked out, district officials said.
Much is on the line, including the equivalent of more than 12 full-time teaching and counseling positions.
Some of those jobs may be saved, said District Superintendent Carl Olsen, who said the goal was to make enough cuts to generate a savings of $600,000.
But students at the northwest Bakersfield district, long known for its stellar performance in academics, music and History Day competitions, are also at risk, some in the standing room-only crowd said.
One after another, parents, teachers and even a former student spoke in heartfelt tones of the profound effect a holistic education can have on children.
"Socrates said, 'Music is vital because it teaches discipline,'" said Cal State Bakersfield music instructor Robert Provencio.
"Wouldn't many of our students benefit from more discipline?"
Former Fruitvale math teacher Greg Thomas pleaded with trustees to restore counselors to the staff, noting that teens are pulled in numerous directions -- and parents aren't always there to guide them.
"You've got to put the counseling program back," he said. "You have to."
Eric Dyer, a music teacher in a neighboring district, told trustees that if they are hanging on to the district's rainy day fund, now is the time to make use of it.
"It's raining," Dyer said.
Some spoke eloquently. Others spoke with conviction. But everyone remained civil and the crowd applauded trustees several times for taking on such a difficult role in these trying times.
"None of this is taken lightly," trustee Stan Greene told the worried individuals who crowded into the board chambers.
"It's heartbreaking," he said. "At least in my house there have been many sleepless nights."
