What's Happening in Lowell, MA…

Although state aid to Lowell schools increased almost $10m over last year, administrators say the district will have to make cuts.

School administrators presented their preliminary budget recently, and some proposed cuts are drawing objections from educators, parents, and students. Among the positions that could be eliminated are three band directors, a psychologist, and two social workers. The proposal to cut the band directors seems to have become the symbol of the controversy.

Although cutting three of the directors would still leave one person teaching band, opponents argue the move would in effect destroy the band program in middle school. They argue that losing the program would also take away a vital way to bring younger players to the high school band.

Andre Descoteaux, who was once choir director at Lowell High School, discussed the way in which music helped one of his students, who was autistic. The young man was at home on stage, and seemed to come to life when he performed, Descoteaux said, adding he did not know how well the student would have done in high school without that experience.

District officials say they do not want to make these cuts, but have no choice. Gerry Nutter, a member of the School Committee, hopes that a proposed budget now before the state Senate could include some additional funding, but it is unlikely to be approved before the district has to finalize its plans. In such situations, officials sometimes work with Print shops on a newsletter for district residents to keep them updated.



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