Music Students Decry Proposed Staff, Program Cuts

More than a dozen Commack High School music students spent the first night of their spring break in the high school auditorium, passionately pleading a case for the teachers and clubs they love. 

Students asked Commack Board of Education members to reconsider proposed cuts to the music department's teaching staff and co-curricular activites during the district's informal budget hearing Thursday night. 

"One of the biggest lessons I learned from grandfather, is to treat your teachers like they are parents. I would like to say I've spent more time in school with teachers than I do with my owner parents. You are going to get rid of my parents," said student Justin Kashi. 

Kashi was joined by several other students in wearing white T-shirts bearing a photo of his ninth-grade band teacher Shane Helfner. Helfner also teaches band lessons, Guitar Ensemble and is the assistant director of Commack's marching band. 

The ninth-grade students believe Helfner is Other proposed cuts to the music programs include ICA Stage band in , Guitar Ensemble, Stage Band and the Treble Singers at . 

Student Jocelyn Suarez asked Board of Education members to reconsider cutting Guitar Ensemble, she she estimated has 30 active member with additional students looking to join next year. 

"I have never felt a connection with others through music before," Suarez said. "From the beginning of the school year, we had students who had never touched a guitar before. [Helfner] has us sounding amazing. People are really starting to play." 

Junior Andrea Smith, president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, joined her fellow officers in presenting the Board of Education with a stack of letters from students, parents and Commack alumni in defense of the music program. 

The proposed $170 million budget presented by Superintendent Donald James on Thursday night listed 14 co-curricular group at Commack High School and five at Commack Middle School that are on the chopping block. 

Laura Neuman, assistant superintendent for business, said the cost of running each club varies from roughly $1,500 to $6,500 per school year, based on contracts. The total cost of running the 19 clubs school officials proposed cutting is approximately $100,000 per year, according to Neuman. 

One Commack man said he was "bothered" once doing the math that with approximately 600 teachers in the district, it would take $200 per teacher to save every student club. 

James said the Board of Education can discuss allowing a school club to operate if the students involved are willing to raise the necessary funds, but its a conversation board trustees have not deliberated yet. 

"..Hearing a novice speaker with such humility talk of what these classes mean to them is very, very disheartening to a board that over the past decade and a half has worked hard to establish these program," said Board President Mary Jo Masciello. 

James said the school district is optimistic about its negotiations with secretary state and administrative staff will prevent layoffs. While conversations with the teachers union is ongoing, no compromise has yet been struck. 

The next special community budget input meeting will be held 1 p.m. April 16 at . The Board of Education will adopt the budget at its April 19 meeting, with voters having the opportunity to vote on May 15.