News & Notices

The students, directors, and Band Booster committee wish to express a very sincere “THANK YOU!” to each and every one of you who’ve supported the organization this past year.  Whether it was handling marching band uniforms, driving a new Ford, baking or buying items in the bake sales (yum), participating in the brat-n-burger event, taking pictures (see the Media Gallery page), chaperone duty, or perhaps a donation through your charitable giving program at work, please know this:  IT REALLY MATTERS AND IT REALLY HELPS!  We are so grateful!

Participation makes it so much more rewarding, too.  Your busy schedules certainly are filled with important matters; helping to enrich our kids’ experiences, like this band program, certainly should be near the top of the list. As hard as it may be to imagine it now, your kids will likely thank you some day for getting involved.

 We really appreciate these kids, this program, and not least, your support.   Thank you!

 

As you have no doubt heard, budget challenges are forcing political and school district officials into some very difficult decisions.  Rumors abound, of course, such as having to pay to see sporting events and concerts, and loss of directors.   Until it all shakes out, there’s really no way to be certain what this will mean to the band program and other Performing Arts programs-- not just at AVHS but throughout the district.   With the cuts potentially impacting so many wonderful activities and organizations throughout the district, it is likely most will, more than ever, reach out to the community.   The Band Booster organization is observing developments and evaluating creative approaches to prepare for what may possibilities lay ahead.

But one thing that can help is being proactive in the decision-making process. Your voice really does count.  If you would like to see impacts on the band program minimized, consider sending a signed email expressing your concern to:

supt@district196.org or contact Mr. Degenaar with your input.  See the message below recently sent from the band department directors for additional information.  Thanks in advance for your support.

PROPOSED BUDGETS CUTS FOR 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR:
Recommendations of the district Budget Steering Committee that were presented to all district staff members on Tuesday are now posted on the front page of the district website as  part of a news release about the recommendations

The $15.6 million target number was established by the School Board in late January after settling on a five-year financial plan scenario that assumes the state will cut base funding  to education by 5 percent for next year and more the following year.

The  recommended adjustments include $8 million in staffing reductions, $4.1 million in reductions to programs, supplies and operations, and $3.5 million in new revenue. The recommended staffing reductions – a combination of percentage reductions to staffing allocations from the district to its schools and the elimination of specific positions – total 148 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.

The budget proposal plans to increase the student to teacher ratio in elementary band and middle school thus eliminating some staff positions but still keeping those programs available for students. It is not known at this time how the budget cuts will affect band staffing at Apple Valley High School.  The budget proposal also calls for a 38% increase in district-owned instrument  rental fees.

Members of the public are invited to comment on the budget adjustment recommendations throughout February by sending a signed email to  supt@district196.org, or by attending the Feb. 8 or Feb. 22 regular board  meetings. Focus group meetings have also been scheduled for Feb. 16 and 18 at  Black Hawk Middle School. Final recommendations for 2010-11 budget adjustments  will be presented as new business at the March 8 regular board meeting, with a  vote expected at the March 29 regular meeting.
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