Kelly Donovan, a local resident, voiced distress over the proposed cuts to the music department, highlighting the choir’s influence on her daughters’ social and emotional well-being. Amanda Tyra, a senior at David Brearley, and Emily Donovan, a student, shared personal accounts of how the music program and their teacher, Miss Piva, provided a supportive environment that fostered confidence, belonging, and academic success.

The board reassured attendees about the distinction between referendum funding and the annual budget, asserting their efforts to sustain arts opportunities under financial constraints. However, the loss of state aid and the strict tax levy cap posed significant challenges for future programming. They delineated the budget’s revenue streams, noting a decrease in Equalization Aid and the tax levy increase of 2%.

Community members and parents continued the conversation on potential cuts. The music department’s role in helping students discover their passions and build essential life skills was a focal point. One community member, with ties to the music industry, emphasized the diverse career opportunities stemming from music education.

The board’s discussion also touched on the restrictive state aid formula and tax levy cap. They highlighted the importance of seeking legislative changes to address funding inequities and discover more effective funding mechanisms for public education.

As the dialogue unfolded, concerns about the repercussions of budget reductions on teacher positions and class sizes were brought to light. Questions were raised about the effects of these potential changes on the learning environment and teacher-student ratios.