Band Aids: Music likely safe, librarians uncertain as district slashes budget

Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
As the school district scrambles to cut millions of dollars, board members gave a vote of confidence to students, parents, and teachers that their favorite music programs would not be silenced next year. But that did not stop many people from addressing the board and packing into the meeting room on April 8.
“To me, music truly began in school,” said Daniel Hanley, a senior and member of SBHS’ jazz band, in front of board members. “My passion for jazz guitar began in junior high, was nurtured in high school, and will continue to grow as I leave for college and beyond.”
Charlie Ortega, SBHS’ instrumental music teacher, said four performing arts teachers, including himself, have been given pink slip notices from the district. Depending on the amount of retiring teachers and how much the district cuts in other areas, some or all of the layoffs could be rescinded. “I think it is unfortunate that these cuts are happening,” he said. “Ultimately it will be the students who suffer as the number of quality teachers decreases and class sizes increase.”
Before the April 8 board meeting, board members and district officials ruled out sweeping cuts to the arts programs. Kristine Robertson, director of personnel for the district, said that at this point there was no discussion about cutting the band program at any site. Despite this, some classes may be combined in order to reduce the amount of hours a teacher might be needed per day. Something Robertson and Ortega have talked about before would be him teaching at Santa Barbara Junior High as well. “That certainly could be an option for us to look at and an idea that Mr. Ortega talked with me about in the past,” she said.
Deputy Superintendent Eric Smith described the cuts the district is planning to make as the “low-hanging fruit” in the budget.
Still on the table for the next meeting on April 22, is whether San Marcos High School will be able to keep its class sizes at current levels and leave its block schedule relatively intact, and if retiring librarians will be supplanted by librarian technicians.
SBHS librarian Marsha Barr is spreading the word and encouraging people to contact board members and Superintendent Brian Sarvis to continue the use of certificated librarians. Ms. Barr has received a number of supporting letters and she is taking them to the District office. “Isobel Downs wrote a nice letter as did Ms. Salontay. Letters of support have also come from (professional writers in Santa Barbara) Susan Gulbranson, Gayle Lynds, Marcia Meier,” Ms. Barr stated. Members of the public can help the library and other programs by writing letters and attending the April 22 meeting.