The Neshaminy School District’s board meeting on Tuesday was crowded with teachers, parents and students ready to defend the music program, reports Briana Smith for 6abc. 

The district’s recently approved budget eliminated one music teacher position, reducing the total from 10 to 9. Members of the district worry that this could lead to further cuts to the program in the future.  

The lead music teacher, Alexis Cassidy, noted that this change would cause a variety of issues for the department. The district will have to reassign teachers to compensate for the loss of the position.

“We’re looking at having to set enrollment caps,” said Cassidy. “We’re looking at not having equitable instrumental instruction across our schools, and ultimately, even though we all want to serve and do what’s best for our students, we’re not sure we’re going to be able to do that.” 

The award-winning program has become deeply meaningful to the students who participate. 

“We’re not cutting staff. We’re closing a door on future musicians, artists and dreamers,” one parent said. 

Now, the parents and staff of the district hope that the school board will consider Cassidy’s advice.  

Learn more about what’s at stake for Neshaminy School District’s music program and how the community is pushing back on 6abc. 

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