The Highland School Board of Education approved a one-time funding allocation of $108,800 to purchase new band instruments to address aging equipment. Timestribunenews.com reported that the board authorized these funds during its July meeting as a supplement to the regular budget, drawing from district reserves rather than annual operating funds.
Band Director John Case explained that the immediate request targets larger, specialized marching instruments, such as five sousaphones for the high school program, which students are unlikely to purchase individually. While students often rent or buy common instruments like flutes and clarinets, Case noted that specialized gear like mellophones is rarely owned beyond high school. The current inventory includes many used items requiring replacement.
This investment serves as an interim measure while the district develops a broader multi-year plan for facilities and fine arts, which may include a voter referendum next year. The district’s standard annual band budget ranges between $32,000 and $34,000 for combined middle and high school programs, with approximately $6,300 per school designated specifically for equipment. Before finalizing purchases, officials plan to seek competitive pricing from various music vendors.
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