RICHLAND, Wash. – Members of the community are rallying for music as the Richland School District works to balance its budget for the current school year. The district is aligning its budget and staffing decisions with projected student enrollment.

“We are currently reviewing our staffing model to ensure it reflects both enrollment trends and student needs,” the district stated. Staffing levels change based on student needs and enrollment.

One program catching attention is the jazz band, with community members voicing concern at a recent school board meeting.

They want more staff to reduce class size. “The music isn’t written to be played by a group that big,” said Toni O’Connor, a local music teacher and parent. “The curriculum isn’t written to be taught to a group that big, and the fe

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