Music Program Budget Cuts

Remember the protest last spring? The walkout to fight for the teachers losing their jobs. Prior to the protest, the city got to vote on a Levy that would fund the school district. It was intended to support learning programs, services, and staff; this Levy also adds an additional 80 million dollars in state funding for the Yakima School District. The Levy was voted on February 13th, 2024 and was passed with 63.89% of the votes being “Yes”!

     It was brought to the community's attention during the Sunfair parade that both Davis and Ike needed to raise 15,000 dollars. Why? According to the fundraiser description, the band program was notified that its budget will be decreased by $10,000 this year. The cuts make it difficult for Ike’s program to travel and support the marching program, wind, percussion, and jazz programs, needed simultaneously. On top of the cuts occurring to the program, they also need $7,000 to cover the marching band travel expenses.

     Davis’s music program has a similar fundraiser, discussing the cuts occurring to their band program. They also need an additional $7,000 in order to afford a fourth bus due to their growing program. Davis’s fundraiser also states that the portion of the Levy money was relocated due to ongoing financial issues in the Yakima School District. 

     These issues haven’t stopped simply because we’re in a new school year. This will continue to impact us as students leading into spring. They will affect our opportunities and our experiences. Use your voices. They matter more than you know.