Due to cuts in school funding at the state level, many MCCSC teachers have lost their jobs or been reassigned. Teacher stipends for extracurricular activities have also been eliminated for the coming year. The band program at BHSN has been impacted by these events in a couple of ways. First, Mr. Wilson will not be teaching as many classes at North in 2010-11. His time will be divided between North High School and Tri-North Middle School where he will replace Mr. Grifa, an excellent teacher who sadly did not have enough seniority to survive the cuts. Consequently, Beginning Jazz will not be offered at North in 2010-11, and our top concert bands will no longer be assigned two band directors. Secondly, the fate of Marching Band and all other extracurricular band events (contests) is uncertain. See the news article on ECA Cuts. Hopefully, donations will allow ECAs to continue this year, but relying on contributions is not a permanent solution.

A referendum will be on the ballot this fall, asking voters to approve a local property tax hike to replace the money lost due to the state cuts. Please be informed and turn out to vote when the time comes!