Dear Chorus Students, Parents and Alumni,

I know many of you are shocked and disappointed by the decision made to cut the chorus. This chorus has drastically changed under the direction of Dr. Bouie positively. You have every right as chorus parents, chorus students, and alumni to be upset about this. But this is not a time to cry, it  is a time to fight for what you believe in.

As soon as I was aware of this, I called Dr. Hatcher, the Principal. In our conversation, I asked why was chorus being cut, what made him decide to cut chorus, what can I do? He told me due to the budget that was given to him by the Superintendent it, did not support funding the chorus. Please be aware that the chorus was not the only thing cut (computer classes, a few art classes, culinary, etc.). Also, he informed me he placed the chorus on top of the list to be, brought back to Sandalwood if we were to receive more funding. Dr. Hatcher told me there is an 80% chance that the chorus will be brought back if Sandalwood enrollment increases or if the school receive more funding. Dr. Hatcher is a supporter of the chorus but this is completely out of his hands until the school receives more funding. As I was explaining to some of our leadership members to think of this as paying bills when you are not financially able…sometime you have to decide what bill you are going to pay and what bill you aren’t to get by. Dr. Hatcher has stated that he will not know until the end of July if he will receive more funding. I refuse to wait until the end of July to let my voice be heard. Please let your voice be heard also!

I know many of you are worried about Dr. Bouie, please be assured she will be okay. To my understanding Dr. Bouie will still have a job teaching but it is unsure what grade(s), what school(s), what subject(s) she will be teaching she could end up teaching elementary for all I know.

Although, this is out of Dr. Hatcher’s hands it is in the hands of the Superintendent and the school board. We need every chorus student, chorus parent, former chorus parent, alumni to speak up and contribute. Some of us were forced to be in the class, signed up, recruited, but for ever reason you chose to be apart of the Sandalwood Chorus. For many of you Sandalwood Chorus is your second family or was.

If you like to assist Chorus Leadership in keeping the chorus please follow the steps below (Please copy and paste the emails):

1. Sign and Share this Position
2. Email the Superintendent and the School Board your concerns and reasons why the chorus should be funded.

Email: greened@duvalschools.org

Subject: FUND the Sandalwood Chorus

CC: Sandalwoodchorus@gmail.com, Jonesw2@duvalschools.org , andersene1@duvalschools.org, grymesc@duvalschools.org, juareza1@duvalschools.org, willied@duvalschools.org, joycec@duvalschools.org, hersheyl@duvalschools.org

Message: Please respectfully state your concerns on why the chorus should be kept.

3. Call the school district every to ask to speak to the Superintendent or a Board Member
 

Let’s Pray and Hope for the Best,

Aaron Hill, SHS Chorus President       

                                                                       

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION, EMAIL THE SUPERINTENDENT, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS, AND FILL OUT OUR CONTACT INFORMATION TO STAY UPDATED.