By Brent Woronoff, The Observer
Each member of the School Board seems to appreciate the Flagler Youth Orchestra strings program. But they don’t all agree that it is worthy enough to continue to fund.
The after-school program, which is entering its 17th season, offers comprehensive instruction on orchestral string instruments.
The program’s budget for the 2022-23 school year is $87,585. The school district would fund $70,000 and provide the use of the facility for the program on the Indian Trails Middle School campus. The program raises funds for the remaining $17,585.
The budget covers the salaries of six part-time instructors and program director Cheryl Tristam.
“I think this is biggest bargain the district possibly gets, to provide this experience,” board member Colleen Conklin said at a School Board agenda workshop on July 5. “I don’t know any other school district that has anything like this.”
But board member Janet McDonald said she has problems with the “equity” of the program.
“None of our students are getting daily exposure to art and music and movement (during the regular school day),” McDonald said. “How can we say it’s an equitable relationship?”
McDonald said program participants receive school bus transportation while transportation is not available to other some groups.
“The total cost is certainly a value, but we don’t have it for other independent activities,” she said. “With all the accolades, all the benefits to the community, I think we have to look at fairness.”
Tristam said every single student 8 years or older in Flagler County can participate in the program.
“We have three different class hours they can choose from,” she said. “Transportation only came into the equation when people were saying, ‘I’d love for her to do it, but I’m still working and I can’t get her there.’ That child would presumably be taking a bus home. So we’re talking about them hopping on a different bus. To me, it’s efficient, just piggybacking on something that already exists.”
Tristam said 200 students participated in the program this past school year, the program’s first full season back in person since the Covid lockdown in 2020. Normally, the program draws in the high 300s, she said, but because of the pandemic it did not have its recruiting tour last year.
“The organic exposure to instruments is huge,” Tristam said. “But we did not want to be a super spreader, so we didn’t have it.”
She said the students performed three well-attended concerts at the Flagler Auditorium. The program resumed its chamber music camp, had 17 ensembles and several string performances around town. They also performed with an ELO tribute band at the auditorium last month.
“It’s always a delight to (see) your group in performance,” board member Cheryl Massaro said. “It’s always closed a gap. Lot of places don’t have these things. I’m very glad to be able to offer this to our community as well as the students involved in it.”
Board member Jill Woolbright said when she was a teacher, she saw how the program turned around the life of students in her classroom.
“I don’t want it to go anywhere,” Woolbright said. “You have built a program. You have buy-in now, you have repeat families. It’s nice to get emails about people happy about things we’re doing in Flagler Schools. But to Ms. McDonald’s point, just because we’ve done something for 17 years, doesn’t mean we don’t change.”
Woolbright said she has gotten pushback from band parents who to pay a fee, and added that PAL parents pay for football equipment.
Tristam said participants in the strings program do not have to pay for outfits, like band participants do. She said most families in the program rent their instruments at $18 to $50 per month.
“We’re paying for seven (positions),” Conklin said. “This is biggest bargain in town, and you’re still having to fund-raise to make it work. There is a cost, but if you add to the cost another fee for parents, that is concerning.”
The funding request will be on the agenda at the board’s July 19 meeting.
Disclosure: Cheryl Tristam is married to FlaglerLive Editor Pierre Tristam. The Observer’s article is reprinted with permission.
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Charlie Ericksen Jr says
Let’s hope that common sense prevails when the School Board discusses this “For the kids” program .. Apparently, some of the Board members , who cannot solve their own problems , are overacting. I have been, in the audience , since the beginning and have seen the growth and excitement and growth in the participants.
The dude says
Jesus…
Always the same two clowns.
This is almost certainly due to personal animus between the two right wing social warriors on the board, and a program director with tangential connections to a certain local news establishment who shines the light on what these two nasty old cockroaches do.
Early exposure to the arts and music can make all the difference in the world to a lot of kids out there. Given the general levels of criminality and depravity in Flagler, we need more of this, not less.
Where can an interested citizen go to donate to this program?
Kat says
Dude, you verbalized my thoughts perfectly.
Jill Espinosa says
My political opinions about these two board members aside, they are correct about the equity issue. Rather than change funding, can we look at ways to benefits students who need an accommodation? In addition, (and please correct me if I’m wrong) don’t we allow students from other counties to join without additional fees?
I also have a question about the original mission of the orchestra. Wasn’t it intended as a program that would eventually merge onto our school campuses?
It’s a fact that our students (especially elementary) are not receiving daily art and music instruction. In fact, at the elementary level they only have 18-36 days out of the 180 day school year, depending on which school they attend.
Don’t get me wrong, FYO is a real treasure but the district is spending a lot of money for a fraction of our students and a few from other counties. Again, please correct me if I’m wrong and thank you for the article!
Cheryl Tristam says
If an out-of-county student wants to join, they must pay. You are correct, there have been very few out-of-county members over the past 17 years.
The school year before covid hit, there were 418 students enrolled. The year before that, there were 402. There are seven of us in the FYO dedicated to making this the best possible experience for our students.
Jill Espinosa says
Thank you, Cheryl, for your reply and for the work that you do for our students.
The dude says
Should we shine the equity light on the football program now? An inordinate amount of $$$ spent on a program that only a couple dozen kids get to participate in, why is this not an “equity” issue as well?
Is the FYO program only available to certain students?
Or do only certain kinds of student choose to participate in the FYO program?
Two entirely different questions.
Jill Espinosa says
Dude, those are two excellent and valid questions. I’d love if we could examine per-pupil spending on athletics as well as the arts. For the past six years I’ve been operating on approx $1.00 per student, not including my salary. I can do the math for you, but I think it’s pretty clear. I’m fortunate to have an administration that has filled in the gaps for special projects when fundraisers aren’t enough. Let me be clear, I DO NOT want to see FYO go anywhere. I don’t want to see their funding reduced, either. I DO NOT speak for those board members who called into question the equity issue. I should have clarified that I am not addressing socioeconomic diversity/inequities within the group because I have no idea why certain students participate and others don’t. I’m speaking to per-pupil funding for the arts District-wide.
We are one of a limited number of Florida’s 67 counties who still offer the arts to our students and I would suggest even more limited number of counties who have any program nearly as enriching as FYO. For that we should be extremely grateful and proud.
So allow me to revisit and revise my original statement: Rather than reduce FYO, let’s consider how to accommodate socioeconomic inequities (if any) and let’s equally fund all the arts programs across our District.
PS – If the motivation of reducing funding is political retaliation as suggested on this forum, then sadly the arts were never really the issue. Which should disgust all of us…equally.
Becky says
OMG I hope the people in this county do what they need to do in November to get these 2 nut jobs OFF the board!!! They are making this county a laughing stock!!! GRRRR!!
Music buff says
McDonald won’t be on the school board next year. She is running for the County Commission. Support her at your own peril. The money her husband owes the County in legal fees for phony lawsuits could probably fund this program for at least two years.
Mrs. Woolbright is running for re-election to the school board. Support both at your own peril.
Merrill Shapiro says
Responsible citizens in every corner of Flagler County must ask, “Are we better off with public servants like Janet McDonald and Jill Woolbright or are we worse off?
Skibum says
The words “public servants” should never be used in the same sentence along with the names of McDonald and Woolbright! Those two are a disgrace to education and the citizens of Flager County. I am beginning to think that since it is getting close to election time, they are doing anything and everything to remain in the news, believing that even bad press is free press for them. I hope we have learned a valuable lesson with these two… refuse to re-elect Woolbright to the school board, and do not vote for McDonald for county commissioner. We have seen more than enough of these fools.
Rick G says
What a damn shame. I hope the other School Board members prevail and keep this program. Music is an integral part of society and it aids in the advancement of maturity and self improvement
Teresa says
I thought Janet McDonald was (legally) supposed to resign since she’s running for county commissioner … should she have a vote here?
FlaglerLive says
The resign-to-run law applies only if the term the official is serving would overlap at all with the one the official is seeking. In this case, that does not apply, as that school board term ends right when the county commission term McDonald is seeking begins. If she were halfway through her school board term and seeking the county commission seat, then she would have had to resign to qualify.
Teresa says
Thank you, FL
Steve Robinson says
The reasons why McDonald and Woolbright are opposed to funding the FYO should be obvious to anyone who is paying attention to the dynamics in Flagler County. This is a mean, petty gambit, using children as pawns to wage their battle. I would say shame on them, but they are clearly incapable of feeling shame.
Roy Longo says
This is nothing but political bullshit. The best way to get at back at FlaglerLive for their commentary against McDonald and Woolbright is for them to go after Cheryl Tristam’s program. Nothing but political Bullshit.
JPK says
Do the 2 small-minded troublemakers really object to the program or to the program’s director? My guess is the latter.
Willy James says
As soon as I read the headline of this story, I immediately knew who the school board members were. They are a total disgrace to our community. Thank God one will be leaving and hopefully, Ms. Halfbright will not get reelected. She is nothing but evil in the truest meaning of the word.
jim morrison says
sounds like a wonderful program. please keep moving forward for all.
Gina Weiss says
WOW, talk about raining on peoples parade, now McDonald uses the “EQUITY” word when it suits her political agenda? Correct me if I am wrong, wasn’t she one of the school board members who wanted that word (verbiage) taken out of some kind of school contract or whatever you call it. And she thinks she has a shot at FCBOCC, oh hell no way, this lady needs to go away and retire. These students practice and play their hearts out, it is something they look forward to, the program keeps them busy and nurtures their well being. As the article mentions anyone can join, and if they don’t why should this be taken away from the students that do join. McDonald needs some reverse psychology here.
zuffalina says
Just when one thinks it cannot get any worse…it does. Partisan politics is killing this country and killing Flagler County at an alarming rate. Can our local citizens not see what is going on or are they but putty in the hands of the raging, reprehensible,
petty, vengeful miscreants serving on our school board and local governmental bodies.
Please wake up soon…because if this continues we will all come to regret that we did not put a stop to it
Vote them out!!!
The dude says
Not sure about Flagler county at large, but these two nasty old right wing culture warriors are very representative of Palm Coast. Angry, bitter, and no actual children in the school system.
bob says
BINGO !!!
Pissed in PC says
Do not support Jill Woolbright, Lance Alread, Will Furry and Christy Chong as they’re all affiliated with the group Moms for Liberty. They don’t believe in science, music, vaccines and hate LGBTQ, students of color, they ban books and don’t believe that history shouldn’t be taught accurately. This group is also behind the chaos at board meetings in the past. The school board must be able to do their jobs and make schools a place of equality and inclusion.
Janet McDonald believes in QAnon, is still promoting the big lie and has a few screws loose. She’s as crazy as Greg Hansen who still loves Mullins, profiting off his position and the big lie.
It’s past time for good changes to this county! Adios to the trash in government.
Leila says
By the same logic, why not cancel all football and other after school sports? These ladies are both nitwits!
coyote says
HEY!! I’m a nitwit and I resent the comparison…. :)
Edith Campins says
Could they possibly be more obvious in their vendetta? They are encouraged by getting rid of a perfectly good teacher with a proven record. They won’t stop in their quest to have complete control of our schools. Only those compliant with their ideology will survive. For the sake of our community, vote them out.
KMedley says
Flagler County, it’s time to circle the wagons!
“The funding request will be on the agenda at the board’s July 19 meeting”.
Of the many programs offered through the schools, the Flagler Youth Orchestra is MOST worthy of our support!
“The program’s budget for the 2022-23 school year is $87,585. The school district would fund $70,000 and provide the use of the facility for the program on the Indian Trails Middle School campus. The program raises funds for the remaining $17,585”.
I don’t know about you, but organizing and raising money to fill the gap is not only impressive, it’s instructive. It teaches the students the importance of financial obligations. Moreover, there are countless benefits to music, and as pointed out, “every single student 8 years or older in Flagler County can participate in the program”.
Music not only helps teach math and fractions in the most delightful way, music helps enhance language skills, develop hand-eye coordination, improve memory, provide for focused study habits, promotes teamwork, and offers children the chance to improve self-esteem and confidence.
So why is it two current school board members, Janet McDonald and Jill Woolbright, are now concerned with “equity”, students’ “daily exposure to art and music” and question whether Flagler should continue with a successful 17 year program that was literally rescued by Cheryl Tristam? Exactly what change are McDonald and Woolbright seeking? Are they attempting to apply the principles of redistribution of wealth to funding for school programs? What other programs are not being treated in an equitable manner? Have those program directors put in the work Cheryl Tristam has?
I remember when art and music programs were a staple part of the a school’s curriculum. How many of you learned to play Hot Cross Buns on the recorder? Then, what were schools forced to do? They had to focus on tests rather than teaching. That’s when funding for the arts and music programs was drastically cut. Yes, there is band, but band is not cheap. Uniforms, instruments, travel expenses. Some music students don’t want to be in the band.
If this were about football and possibly cutting a similar program available to all 8 year old Flagler County students, it would have never made the final cut of the agenda.
The Flagler Youth Orchestra has inspired many organizations to add Arts Grants to their annual scholarship awards. These scholarships help many students continue with their art and music study. Some groups make donations for instruments. This program is unique and exceptional to Flagler County and its students and this micromanaging from these board members is unnecessary. When was the last time any change from government to a school program resulted in success?
Please email these board members:
Janet McDonald: [email protected]
Jill Woolbright: [email protected]
Show them your support for the Flagler Youth Orchestra.
BTW, McDonald, who is not seeking a third term for School Board District 2, is running for Flagler County Commission, District 2. Woolbright will be on the ballot for School Board District 1.
Know your candidates!
#SupportFlaglerYouthOrchestra
Teresa says
As a caveat to your eloquent comment … voting for school board in the primary is imperative. Tell your friends not to skip the primary!
The dude says
The only “equity” these two old crows are actually concerned with is denying ALL Flagler students access to music and arts.
Concerned Citizen says
First it was books. Now it is music.
Anytime these two appear in local media it is never in a favorable position. And they always seem so bitter about everything. I have been advocating change in our local political arena. From the county on down we desperatley need people who want to look after our interests. Not take them away.
Please stop electing the same because it’s what you know. If a qualified candidate shows up on the ballot due your background checks and research. Stop expecting others to do it for you. Or rely on word of mouth. If the candidate meets muster then help them give these empire building incumbents a run for their money.
If the likes of Mullins and these two are reelected then Flagler County has no one to blame but it’s self. Because you knew what you were getting into.
PC livin says
Defunding this will only hurt the low income kids in the county. McDonald certainly cares about children, so long as their mommy and daddy are in the right tax bracket.
Linda Liston says
So I woke up this morning to a very disturbing headline regarding FYO. “Equity” is the new woke term. I am furious with Macdonald. Everyone has access to the Strings program. A family just has to choose to be a part of it. Just like our family has. And just to make a point, in Middle School and High School, not every child chooses music as part of their school curriculum. As far as “movement”is concerned, our school district did not make P.E. a priority on its last 17 years because the State’s assessment testing took priority over everything. It’s not a matter of equity here. It’s a matter of priority. They set the rules and our children suffer the consequences.
When’s the meeting in the 19th?! Let me at them. I am really disappointed in Janet! Of all people to be spewing such bullshit. These two members that voted against need to get their shit straight, or get voted out!
Mark says
Time to stop the madness of these two clowns, VOTE Sally Hunt and Courtney VandeBunte! Save the schools!
M.K. Jones says
As a former resident of Arizona, we were able to designate a portion of our state income tax responsibility to a school of our choosing to fund various programs not supported in our property tax assessment for schools. Music and the arts were one of the many options we could choose to support to a maximum of $400. We gladly supported our local school for this program. Perhaps this should be considered by our local government which continues to spend our taxes frivolously.
James says
We can’t wait until the Board of Ed elections comes up because we are going to clean the house.
JimBob says
We need to bear in mind that to the QAnon types so prevalent in all Flagler government entities generally limit their cultural expression to “Proud to be an American” and “Dixie” (not necessarily in that order).
Protonbeam says
I didn’t think revenge politics could stoop so low. Janet is evil, pure and simple. Her smart ass “equity statement”. Why is a program that is so affordable and has done so much good for our community and children, even be in question. Janet doesn’t want equity-she wants to punish people who don’t support her angry and desperate antics.
If you can’t make it to the SB meeting please write a letter or email. Anyone whose be around Cheryl knows she has a passion and does this for the love of our community, our kids, and music.
Absolutely Ridiculous says
What are these two thinking? Oh wait, they don’t think do they? I have never seen such an abomination of a school board as this board has been since those two were elected to the seats. The other members quite honestly need to get their heads out of their asses and stand up to these two bullies for lack of a printable word. This is an absolute disgrace, it is shameful, and had my kids not already had the privilege of attending Flagler County Schools K through 12, I would be serioulsy considering a move to another district!
Weldon Ryan says
Flagler String orchestra is so essential to our small community. Equity isn’t a problem. It is the only opportunity for children from rich and poor to get the gift of music! Everyone of Flagler’s children can participate. My kids were involved from its inception. They grow immensely from that. What is McDonald talking about? Madness! High praise to Cheryl Tristam and the orchestra for staying focused!
Flagler parents says
Why anyone would want to get rid of any music program free to children is beyond me. All 3 of my children were in FYO and research clearly shows playing a stringed instrument increases math IQ, creativity, and coordination, yet alone a sense of accomplishment, stage fright and friendships. 2 were also in steel drums and the 3rd in band. All 3 are now grown and have great paying jobs (1 in IT using high math skills and the other 2 using eye/hand coordination) thanks to the dedication of these programs whether offered during or after school.
The dude says
“research clearly shows playing a stringed instrument increases math IQ, creativity, and coordination”
I think I see why MAGA would be opposed to the program…