A group of parents questioned the Sweet Springs School Board of Education on Wednesday, July 9, about a policy requiring all 5th and 6th grade students in the district to take band.

The matter seems to be resolved, however, as school superintendent Boyd Jones said in a later interview that the board voted in executive session to allow the 5th and 6th graders the choice beginning this year to take either band or vocal music.

"The board did vote to add 5th and 6th grade vocal music for next year," said Jones.

"Historically we have done that," he said, adding that until two years ago both programs were offered, but only about two or three students were taking music.

"It wasn't much of a vocal music class if they were sitting alone," he stated, adding that was the reason the program was initially dropped.

Vocal music is offered for all other classes 7th-12th grade.

Jones expressed hope that with the group of concerned parents coming forward more students will choose vocal music this time.

"With this discussion I'll be surprised if it doesn't go up," said Jones.

The spokesperson for the parents, Christy Evans, had told the board that elementary vocal music instructor Pam Surbaugh, who is employed part-time, would be willing to take on the 5th and 6th grade classes as well as high school vocal music and drama courses to become full-time.

Citing teachers such as Dan Hill, recently retired agriculture instructor, Evans said that a respected teacher could make the difference in growing a program.

"Mrs. Surbaugh can bring this respect," said Evans, noting that she has already won the respect of students and parents in the elementary level.

"Our children deserve to have the opportunity to learn from her," she said.

Jones said that Surbaugh will be teaching the 5th and 6th grade students, as well as K-4 students, but will still be part-time.

The board didn't make any decision about adding drama or more music classes in the high

school.

"We offer the same music as every other school our size," said Jones. "It doesn't make sense to offer double that."

In other business, the board voted to allow a wall in the cafeteria to be used for displaying a Sweet Springs R-7 Athletic Hall of Fame.

The wall will be on the north wall of the elementary cafeteria where people attending the schools' sporting events can easily view it.

In the consent agenda, they voted to:

--Approve the elementary and pre-school faculty handbooks

--Appoint Karla Bleck as varsity cheerleader sponsor

--Appoint Stephanie Malter as junior high cheerleader sponsor

--Approved the hiring of Kelly Owen as elementary health room aide

--Approved the district safety plan

The next Sweet Springs School board meeting will be held August 21 at 7 p.m.

Contact Marcia Gorrell at marshallag@socket.net