Musical chairs come to an end
District hires second music instructor
Following the resignation of vocal and instrumental music instructor Jack Coleman at the end of first semester, rumors in the Peabody-Burns school district were widespread about what would happen with the programs for the balance of the school year.
An announcement Monday by superintendent Tom Alstrom put an end to the speculation and rumor.
"We looked at a lot of options," said Alstrom. "There is no doubt there was some turmoil. I feel confident we have a good solution for the rest of this year."
According to Alstrom, Steve Glover will move back to the junior high and high school level and take over that program once again. Glover had asked last year to be transferred to the grade school for both band and vocal in hopes of spending more time with his young family.
He assumed the PBES position for the 2006-07 school year and Coleman was hired to handle vocal and instrumental instruction at the junior high and high school.
Alstrom said Virginia Skinner will take the reigns as instructor at the elementary school starting Wednesday.
"She has a good background in music and in fact was a music minor when she got her undergraduate degree," he said. "She is certified to teach music.
"We think this will be a good fit for the community and will give us time to address a permanent solution," he said. "We (the school board and administration) will be looking pretty hard at how we construct our music programs, K through 12.
"We need to do a better job. We were floundering and that is not good," he added.
Alstrom said once a decision is made on the structure of the music programs, the district will advertise for qualified personnel who fit the job descriptions.
"We are committed to improvement," he said.
