Add Music to the List of Casualties Under Dr. Varley’s Reign of Error

Dr. Varley Continues to Build on Her Incredible Record of Harmful Decisions

-Ekin Najarian

Instead of using the opportunity of two open Assistant Superintendent Positions to prevent further cuts and teacher transfers, the District has decided to compromise our Music Program.

Ms. Lim teaches Music at Woodruff and Mary Kay and is highly regarded by families in both schools, The District has decided to terminate Ms. Lim’s employment. The Music Teacher at CMS will be transferred to WW and MKM and a new Music Teacher will be hired at CMS for Orchestra. Lastly, it is eliminating a music class at CMS and forcing 6th graders into one of three options (chorus, band or orchestra).

A few issues here:

-Yet another example of taking a teacher who taught one age group and pushing them into a situation where they are teaching a completely different age group. If you have been following the article on the BHPSNJ decline, teacher transfers and resignations are one very likely factor contributing to the problem.

-Middle School Students who may not be passionate about taking the class may end up not being plugged in and may affect those students who approach the class seriously. Music in the three options available is very much a team effort.

-We are letting go of a teacher who loves to teach in this District and is comfortable with helping our youngest learners to facilitate this new design.

Instead of Dr. Varley simply diverting the money from the open Assistant Superintendent positions to establish a common sense arrangement in keeping our music program whole, she has again decided to solve the problem by taxing students and teachers.

If Dr. Varley simply discussed this decision with parents beforehand she would get a fuller picture. We completely understand the need to grow the music program but this is a very ill-informed and short-sighted approach that, we feel, creates bigger problems.

Excerpt from Laura’s email to the BOE:

Miss Lim is an incredible musician and and equally incredible teacher.  The spark that she has ignited in our children over her short time here is nothing short of amazing.  Of my 10 years of concert attendance in this district, today was the most vibrant concert I have ever attended, with each child singing loud and proud with smiles from ear to ear. 

I am so saddened at the idea that we are letting an absolutely incredible music teacher go, especially in light of the decline in enrollment for the music and preforming arts at BHPS. 

Excerpt from Todd’s Email to the BOE:

This morning, at the WW second grade concert & clap out I was able to see first hand how wonderful of a music teacher she is for our younger children. It is rare to find talent like this and I feel our district is losing someone we just should not be.

She was absolutely fabulous and did such a wonderful job. (It's too bad Dr. Varley didn't stay past the second song to realize what a great teacher she is.)

If your response or thoughts are that this is a budget issue, frankly I find that to be an excuse.  We are losing too many great teachers and the reason cannot always be a budget issue. Figure it out, it's your JOB.

Thus far, only Ms. Khanna responded to either of the emails.

Please consider emailing the BOE to express your position on this issue:

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