Archive: Around Town

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the all-district instrumental music concert this past Wednesday in the high school gym. Student musicians in grades four through twelve delighted the Lansing community with a medley of pieces that reflected the exemplary talent of our community’s young people—talent nurtured by professional educators whose commitment to their students’ growth is undeniable. Their years of patient nurturing of our young musicians came together in one glorious hour of entertainment that their proud parents, teachers, and community will long remember. It was truly a gift.

As I stood there enjoying the event, I recalled the countless evenings spent in vitriolic facilities committee meetings attempting to piece together a construction referendum proposal that was ultimately rejected by the community. It was during one of those evenings that, as we explored the space needs of the high school music program, a resident’s barn was offered as a space where these young people could develop their musical talents, this being a much less expensive alternative to the high school expansion under consideration. I remember being a participant in the jocularity wrought by the comment which, I sense, was offered only partly in jest.

I have on many occasions enjoyed the musical talents of our community’s young people, but never so immensely as I have lately. March has brought a celebration of the arts in Lansing with the production of “42nd Street” (the finest high school musical I have ever seen) and, more recently the all-district music concert. Likewise, for me, the “barn” comment has become far less humorous, if it was ever humorous at all.

I sense, instead, it reflects a rising tide of animosity, emanating from myriad sources, aimed at the schools. Its potential to destroy is such that, if not stemmed, it will threaten the stability of the educational program that has long characterized Lansing schools. A budget defeat in May 2006 followed by a referendum defeat in February 2007 are harbingers of a downward spiral that few, if any, members of the school or community hope will commence. More than ever, our schools—your schools—need your guidance and support.

The board of education and administration are faced with perhaps one of the most challenging budget scenarios of recent days. Decisions will be made at the April 4th board meeting that will impact the district’s future for countless years to come. I urge you to take the time to attend this meeting, ask questions, and provide input regarding the path school officials should take in proposing the 2007-08 spending plan. The decisions that are made during the April 4th and April 19th meetings will have a lasting effect, positively or negatively, on both the school and the community. Your contribution to those decisions is not only welcomed, it is essential.

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