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Parent Norma Collins spoke to the Calhoun Board of Education last night expressing concern that a Calhoun Middle School (grades 5-8) music teaching position was being cut one-half.
Collins said the music and band program is continuing to suffer,
after Middle School music teacher Mike Franek tendered his resignation. Franek has been a full-time employee.
"I have real concerns about our feeder program," said Collins. "It has become a conflict of band against core subjects," saying the money has been diverted to other needs.
Board president Lee Evans said "We want to do something about the band," whose numbers have been decreasing for several years. "It is a primary goal of this board," he said.
Evans said when the school system returns to 8-period scheduling from current block scheduling next year, he believes it will help.
Collins said she wants the school to keep the two current full-time
music teachers.
Superintendent Jane Lynch said she is looking at flexible scheduling to help the problem.
Members of the band boosters said several adjoining counties, most of which have low student enrollment, have thriving music and band programs.
Franek issued his resignation, saying he had reached an impasse over the issue of "Teacher vs. Policeman."
"I simply cannot compromise my teaching any longer," he said.
He expressed concern that the loss of an In-School Suspension ISS) room has created a real problem what to do with disruptive students, saying it has been replaced by the Respect and Protect program which issues BIFs for bad behavior.
"It has effectively crippled the 'teaching moment,' as teachers are forced to keep chronically disruptive students in the classroom.," Franek said.
Franek said he loves teaching, much a part of his nature and soul.
"It has been my privilege and honor to have begun and ended my teaching career here in Calhoun, with students who are warm-hearted, and for the most part, eager to learn," he concluded, wishing the staff well in their "efforts to continually improve this good school."
In addition to accepting Franek's resignation, the board accepted the resignation of interim finance director Betty White, having made the appointment of chief financial officer Patricia Riddle.
The board went into executive session to discuss an agenda item listed as "property."
The board approved other routine matters, including the payment of bills. (More to follow)
The next board meeting is scheduled for January 7th.
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