Posted: 6/4/03

Banta wants facts on music, sports

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

The music program at Forest Lake High School has found a friend in Jim Banta.

The Wyoming man and Forest Lake graduate was part of the crowd that attended last weekís Pops Concert. So impressed was Banta that he went before the school board Monday seeking answers for questions regarding funding for music and sports programs.

In his brief appearance before the board Monday, Banta said ìaccolades are in order for the senior high musicians and the directors.î With about 400 students performing, Banta said he could appreciate the importance of music for the students.

As a former student, Banta fondly recalled the days of Rollin Nelson, a retired band director and the music tradition he built at the schools.

ìHe (Nelson) taught us, marched us and directed ribbon winning musical programs locally and at state and national events,î Banta said. ìThe tradition continues but only partially today.î

Banta questioned the level of financial cuts that ìseriously impactî the districtís music program at all schools and the fact there is no summer marching band at the high school.

In issuing a challenge to the board Monday, Banta said music program cuts affect more students than any other budget cuts in the schools today.

In light of cuts, Banta asked the school board and administration to detail information regarding cuts to music programs and sports programs at the high school.

For the June 12th issue of the Forest Lake Times, Banta requested the school submit answers for the following questions:

ïWhat was the total cost of the music program of the senior high school prior to budget cuts?

ïWhat is the dollar value of the cuts made that eliminated the marching band program, etc?

ïWhat is the cost of the total athletic program at the senior high school and affecting how many students?

ïWhat, if any, budget cuts have been made in the athletic program of the senior high school?

In closing, Banta appealed to the board and administration. ìPlease bring back all music programs now to the district for the greatest benefit to the most participants of any program in the schools.î

The school board took no action on Bantaís request Monday. The matter will go to the administration for review.

There was no indication Monday that the administration would respond to Bantaís questions by next week as requested.

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