Orchestra, gymnastics make appeals to board of education

By Steve Van Kooten

The Prairie du Chien Board of Education met for a “working session” on April 28 to hear appeals from the orchestra and gymnastics programs.

The board approved cutting both programs at their April 14 meeting, which also included a myriad of other academic, co-curricular and financial reductions, after failing to secure an operating referendum this past November and earlier this month.

Each program had 30 minutes between open and closed sessions to make their appeals and discuss with the board. The board can reverse the approved budget reductions at the May 12 board meeting.

District Administrator Andy Banasik confirmed the meeting was for “information gathering purposes.”

Adam Stout, who represented the orchestra during the meeting, said that the orchestra has 34 students between grades 5 and 12.

He claimed the program raised approximately $9,500 in less than a week.

“In one week, we covered a year’s worth of funding,” he told the Courier Press.

Stout called the closed-session meeting with the board “productive.”

“I think we’ve offered a solution that meets the financial concerns, at least for next school year. We might have to revisit things throughout the year and come back with a longer-term solution,” he said.

Four students and one parent spoke on behalf of the program in open session.

“I have had some really great opportunities come to me while I’ve been in orchestra, like getting to compete in solos and ensembles for this year and last,” said Brianna Perkins. “When I heard that orchestra was getting cut, I was absolutely devastated. It’s literally my favorite part of the week.”

Speakers said that the program provides a constructive outlet for their creative energy.

“I’ve never seen such determination from a group of students. It’s a passion for them; it’s their art form. It’s something that means a lot to them, and it’s just great to work with them,” said high school junior Asher Pitzer.

Pitzer said he is not a member of the orchestra but contributes to their performances.

Others suggested that the program can find alternative ways to maintain funding.

“While I understand that cuts need to be made due to the district’s current financial status, the orchestra appears to be able to be fully funded from outside sources, requiring no financial commitments from the district,” said Carrie Perkins.

Three student gymnasts spoke to the board during the open session. The program is a co-op with Fennimore.

“We have discussed the many ways that our program can save money and space,” said sophomore Autumn Ziegler. “Gymnastics is a very special sport to me and other girls. It would be devastating for these opportunities to be taken away.”

Ziegler suggested the program could “find a new place to go” if given another season and that sponsorships and fundraisers would help keep the program going.

Before the referendum failed earlier this month, the school considered relocating the gymnastics practice area as part of a plan to move grades 6–8 to the high school.

Julianne Washa pointed out that the board chose to cut three programs that do not have any male participants (dance, cheerleading and gymnastics). 

She added that the district would not be in Title IX compliance simply by having an equal number of girls and boys sports programs.

“Title IX is about equal opportunity, not equal numbers,” she said. “The school is allowed to have one more girls sport than boys.”

According to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, Title IX requires equal access to facilities, equipment and resources for male and female athletes and staff. 

The National College Athletics Association website states that Title IX does not require schools to spend the same amount of money on male and female sports, and compliance is measured by the number of student athletes rather than the number of sports programs.

Washa claimed that the school did not have a disproportionate amount of female athletes compared to their male counterparts.

Banasik said that the district reviewed co-curricular programs’ space usage, cost and participant numbers during the budgeting process.

The program cuts are part of the district’s effort to balance its budget after failing to pass an operating referendum this past November and earlier this month.

In attendance were Michael Higgins, Jr., Lacie Anthony, Dustin Brewer, Lonnie Achenbach, Kyle Maahs and Noah White. Banasik, Vicki Waller and the district’s three principals were also present. Nick Gilberts was absent.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for May 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the high school.

Approvals

Pat Hall, head varsity softball coach.

Resignations

Liz Steiner-Hall, head varsity softball coach; Brooke Johnson, high school math teacher and grades 5 and 6 volleyball coach; Kelly Renner, high school biology teacher; and Doug Morris, middle school and high school principal.

Other business

• The board removed the preliminary notice given to Bluff View Math Teacher Mark Davis. After Johnson’s resignation, Davis will fill that newly opened spot, according to Banasik.

• Morris’ contract will end on June 30, and he will finish out the school year, according to Banasik.