AJ School News

November 18, 2009

Parents respond to music program requirements

Mauri Rapp Abington Journal Correspondent

FACTORYVILLE - Changes to the Lackawanna Trail Jr. / Sr. High School music and band program this year have some district parents claiming that the workload has prevented their children from remaining in the program. At Lackawanna Trail Board of Education meeting on Nov. 16, nearly a dozen parents turned out to question the music course syllabus that was presented at the beginning of this academic year.

The board had already taken the issue under advisement after last week’s work session. As the meeting commenced, Board Secretary Judith Johnston read a statement from the board that the academic requirements for the 2009 – 2010 music program would remain the same.

“I think it’s comical that you made a decision to support a syllabus that none of you even read,” said David Bowman, a parent whose son attends Lackawanna Trail. “I think it’s laughable.”

Sherri Dougherty said that her daughter took flute lessons during the summer because of her love of music, but is now unable to take band because the expectations of the elective prohibit her from participating in other extracurricular activities. She said she felt it was unfair that students were being excluded, and that the program changes should have been more transitional. “We failed to transition this music program,” she said.

Several parents also spoke in favor of the program, including Kelly Hopkins. She said for the past eight years she had worked with the music department and former band director, the late James Smith. Hopkins cited the band’s recent successes in competition as proof of Smith’s successor Jeff Tylutki’s talent as a teacher. “I can tell you that I feel very badly that the parents here are here because their children dropped out of band,” Hopkins said. “However, I do not doubt that any child of any parent here could be successful in this program.” Hopkins added that she currently works with several students who have been successful while involved with multiple extracurricular activities in addition to band.

According to the parents, their complaints include the requirement of journal entries, as well as the students’ mandatory attendance of two concerts during the year other than ones in which the student is already participating. The syllabus also outlines writing requirements that would be assigned should the student fail to attend these concerts, said the parents. “That’s wrong,” said George Barbolish, who had two sons in the program whom he said have since dropped the elective because of the syllabus requirements. “Writing shouldn’t be given as punishment.”

Board members said that no vote was taken on the issue, rather the board decided to take no action. Members declined further comment; however, Solicitor Sandra Boyle said that the board reviewed curriculum but did not review each individual class syllabus. “This Board in no way wants to get involved with reading and looking at every single teacher’s syllabus,” said Boyle.

The issue escalated as Bowman stood several times and demanded that board members answer his questions about the syllabus. “As taxpayers and as parents, I think we deserve answers,” he said. Board President Frank Tylutki took the meeting into a five-minute recess after Bowman continued to demand answers despite the board stating that they would not discuss the matter, and at one point said that he would contact the authorities if Bowman continued. “You’re disrupting a legal board meeting,” said Tylutki.

Later in the meeting, Bowman asked how the board would address the issue of transported students to and from mandatory activities outlined in the syllabus. Tylutki said that the board would take that issue under advisement. “Oh, I’m sure you will,” Bowman said.

In other business, the board unanimously ratified a three year collective bargaining agreement between the school board and Lackawanna Trail Education Association. The new teachers’ contract will be effective from July 1, 2010 through to June 30, 2013. The board also moved to adopt policies concerning home education programs, graduation requirements and transportation. Superintendent Matthew Rakauskas said that the newly adopted policies will be available for public view on the district’s web site. Additionally, the board accepted the resignations of Jon Rosiak, who served as junior high assistant wrestling coach, and Curt Sohns, who served as boys’ volleyball coach and approved the appointed of Ryan Dixon as volunteer wrestling coach.

Also, Rakauskas presented certificates from the Pennsylvania School Board Association to Johnson, Joseph Ross and Daniel Naylor for their years of service as school directors.

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