Ballard High School Performing Arts Booster parent Christine Bunch emailed in to let us know about a petition that has been created to oppose funding cuts to the BHS Drama program.
According to Christine’s email, Principal Kevin Wynkoop and other board members voted this afternoon on the 2014/2015 budget and drama department cuts were on the table.
“The program has grown so much over the years and has resulted in top-not plays and musicals that the entire community has enjoyed. Â Cuts would be devastating. We’ve started a petition which has more than 340 signatures. We’d like to get to 500 signatures,” says Bunch.
Check out a statement written by petition organizers below:
I recently learned that you are considering cutting funding from the Drama program out of the 2014/2015 budget–what would equate to a semester of drama.
As a BHS parent with a student involved in drama and the performing arts, I urge you to reconsider your decision to cut funding. Through drama, my son/daughter, has had the opportunity to not just perform as an actor in a play or musical, but has learned important life skills that he/she would not have learned if it weren’t for the passion, dedication and quality teaching that Mr. Shawn Riley has provided our children.
My son/daughter has learned valuable leadership skills, how to collaborate with a diverse team, public speaking, and he/she has built high self-esteem and confidence–all through a fun, empowering, and safe learning environment.
Click here to check out or sign the petition.