Public Invited to Discuss Music Program's Future in Falls

Difficult decisions about programming in school districts across the state are inevitable when schools are asked to do more with less every year. 

In Menomonee Falls, general state aid the the revenue limit has shrunk year after year, and it is expected that trend will continue. The cuts have reached a point where programming will likely be impacted each year to address an annual deficit. 

In the 2014-15 school year, the district may consider eliminating the orchestra program at the high school to trim some $70,000 from the budget. The sensitive nature of that cut has not been lost on the School Board or district leaders. 

The School Board's Curriculum and Learning Committee will host a workshop on the music program at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday in Room 123 of the Community Center. Committee Chairman David Noshay, Director of Curriculum Gary Kiltz, and 

District staff will give a presentation on the current budgeting climate for the district, review of the current program, and seek feedback from parents and other members of the community. 

Here's a look at the agenda for the evening: 

• 5:30 p.m.: Meeting Called to Order 
• 5:35 p.m.: Budget Context
• 5:45 p.m.: Current Music Program Celebrations 
• 6:00 p.m.: How Do We Compare to Other Surrounding Districts? 
• 6:15 p.m.: Attributes of a Quality Music Program/Possible Actions 
• 6:20 p.m.: Feedback from Parents and Community at the Table 
• 7:15 p.m.: Question and Answer Session 
• 7:30 p.m.: Adjournment