Elementary music returns
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ARLEE – The elementary school’s music program was only sliced after being on the chopping block last month. Board members voted to hire one teacher, Rebecca Olson, to take over the school’s entire music program instead of leaving the elementary program vacant.
“We eliminated the K-6 position and now one person does K-12, so the person the board hired is a K-12 teacher,” Don Holst, elementary principal said.
Community member Karen Hunter is concerned that the students won’t be getting enough exposure to music with only one teacher for the entire school.
“I know we are tight on the budget, but I’m worried about the music program. I know it’s not academic or sports but I think we need to add something,” she said. “I have a third grade grandson so it’s a big concern for me. I think music rounds their education out, but I’m sure the school will figure it out. I’ve had three kids graduate from this school, and it’s a good school.”
The position was combined to reduce spending.
“Music is an integral part of school when you are trying to offer everything, but a lot of times it’s a monetary problem,” Holst said. “If you have to cut something, what’ll it be?”
Holst noted that schools all over the state are forced to reduce programs.
“Music and art are often the first to be cut, but we still have some music. I think our kids are getting as much music as they do in Missoula schools,” Holst noted.
School started last week in Arlee.
“We are getting it all smoothed out. We have a great bunch of teachers this year, and enrollment is at about what we were last year.”
The board also approved Todd Yocum as the school’s assistant high school football coach. James Taylor is the athletic director and Melinda Pablo is the assistant athletic director.
