TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A group of music educators is encouraging grassroots advocacy to protect music programs in Kansas schools.
Members of the Kansas Music Educators Association say they are fighting against a steep drop in funding for their programs.
KMEA president Craig Manteuffel of Hays recently told the state board of education that budget cuts have hurt school districts across the state, although some suffered more than others.
He says a 2010 survey conducted by the association found that since 2007, 185 music education positions have been dropped, including 124 positions eliminated in the 2009-2010 academic year.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports many of the 190 school districts that responded to the survey also reported reduced travel budgets, increased fees and teachers being asked to teach in subjects outside of their expertise.
