BEVERLY — When it comes to essential school programs, music, it seems, has made the cut — as opposed to being cut.
The schools may hire back an elementary instrumental music teacher, a position that was eliminated after last year's full-time instructor retired.
"Despite the economic times, we're looking at potentially adding new staff," Superintendent James Hayes said.
This year, high school band director Ray Novack and middle school band director Adam Costa have been teaching fifth-graders in the morning before school, for a stipend of between $4,500 and $6,000. That saved the schools money, since the full-time position cost $50,000.
But the 7:30 a.m. practices are not working. Students who take the bus can't get there in time, and it's inconvenient for many parents to drive their kids. As a result, participation has dropped from nearly 80 students last year to "teetering at 33" this year.
"The fact we don't have anybody as a full-time person makes it tough to continue on," Novack said at a recent School Committee meeting.
He understands, he said, that the schools are trying to save money, not spend it. Still, "if we can get a full-time person, that would be wonderful," he said.
If not, he suggested either hiring a part-time instructor, or he would drop his guitar and history of rock classes at the high school to devote time to the fifth-grade program.
"Those are two highly sought classes," said School Committee member Maria Decker.
"Grade five is more important to me," Novack said.
Many of the students who start playing an instrument in elementary school go on to play in the middle school band and continue at the high school. Beverly High has one of the best bands on the North Shore, Novack said, and he and Costa don't want their feeder program to die.
School Committee members agreed and discussed the possibility of hiring a part-time teacher, or perhaps two part-time teachers with no benefits.
"It's definitely our goal to put that music program back where it was," said School Committee President Annemarie Cesa.
But there's still the question of paying for it, at a time when the district is operating in a "black hole of uncertainty" when it comes to state funding, she said.
Cesa said she's also concerned it's the $195 user fee, and not simply the early morning schedule, that is driving people away. She said she's afraid to fill the position, "and then still have a drop because of the economy."
But administrators seem confident that's not the case, and say there are financial scholarships and school-supplied instruments for those who can't afford it.
"It's really the inconvenience of the scheduling, with it being before school," Assistant Superintendent Marie Galinksi said.
Despite concerns, Cesa said she's in full support of the music program. Not only has playing an instrument been said to help kids in math, but being a part of the program creates an enriching school community.
"They're going to be busy with the band and not something else," she said.
Hayes said he wants to see the program restored.
"It really brings to light what our purpose is," he said. "It's first and foremost to advocate for a quality system of education. These are needs of the district."
Staff writer Cate Lecuyer can be reached at clecuyer@salem news.com.
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