Parents, Students Rally To Defend Neshaminy Music Program Against Changes

A student musician plays a saxophone. File photo.

A crowd of parents and students filled the Neshaminy School Board meeting Tuesday evening to oppose planned staffing changes to the district’s music program, which many fear will be diminished.

The controversy centers around the district’s decision not to replace a recently retired music teacher, which will reduce the instrumental music staff from 10 teachers to nine.

District officials describe the change as a “realignment” rather than a cut.

“Neshaminy School District is not making any programmatic cuts but instead is an attempt to realign staff to ensure equitable experiences and services for our students and staff,” said Board Member Carlos Rodriguez, adding that the music program is “top-notch” his daughter has taken part in the program.

“We’re not cutting programs, so that is false information,” Rodriguez said.

Parents and students argue that even without eliminating the program itself, reducing staffing will have negative impacts on the district’s well-regarded music program.

“Our teachers are already stretched way too thin and they cannot be stretched anymore,” said Toni Harvey, a Neshaminy alumnus with two children in the district. “Where are you going to pull it from? Are you going to pull the time from their instruction during the day, during their prep periods?”

Lynn Rutecki, a teacher in a neighboring district, reported that within hours of learning about the proposed changes, parents from all three middle schools created a petition that gathered more than 800 signatures before the board meeting began.

“The news of any cuts to arts or music program in Neshaminy is unconscionable. And the parents within our community and our schools are prepared to stand up and fight for what is right,” Rutecki said.

Robin Hartman, a parent and member of the Carl Sandberg Middle School Music Boosters, shared a personal story about her daughter having a difficult day at school and how her choir teacher checked in multiple times to ensure she was okay.

“That is what our music teachers and our music directors are doing for our students. They are checking in on them to make sure they are happy and loved and feel safe every day,” Hartman said.

Parent Valarie Graves called on the board to consider the music program as they work on the district’s budget.

Several students spoke at the meeting, emphasizing the personal importance of the music program and their relationships with their teachers.

“Our directors give us so much attention and open their rooms to us as a safe space,” said one seventh-grade student at Poquessing Middle School. “They are there every morning for early morning and they stay late with us sometimes. Also they are more than directors but family, please do not take them away from us.”

Parents stressed that the music program provides more than just musical education. They told the school board it creates a community where students find belonging, develop confidence, and form important relationships with caring adults.

“These are the people that some of us do try to go to when we need the help,” said an eighth-grade student at Poquessing Middle School. “Mr. Cassidy is like an older brother to me. I view him as that because of how much I trust him, how our bond is and how much he has helped me in music.”

The district’s music program has received national recognition, with parents noting that Neshaminy has been named among the “Best Communities for Music Education” for nine consecutive years, including 2025.

Several speakers also pointed out that the music program serves students of all abilities and creates an inclusive environment.

“My son, who is in autistic support at Poquessing, has found his home in our music department. A place where he can be himself, where he is accepted and he can thrive,” said one parent.

Dan Wiener, a Neshaminy instrumental music teacher for 24 years, addressed the board, expressing concern about the potential impact of the staffing reduction.

“I understand that losing this position may just be a small drop in the bucket in the overall budget. But the domino effect will likely cause our music program to suffer across the board,” Wiener said.

Board members listened to the comments but did not make any immediate decisions about reversing the staffing change. Board Member Rodriguez acknowledged the emotional testimony.

“The overall response of the Neshaminy here tonight is very strong. And I on one hand just would like to somehow figure out something that we could do for this program because what they said tonight really hit me personally and hopefully we can do something,” Rodriguez said.

Board Member John Allen expressed his appreciation for music education while noting the difficult budget decisions the board faces.

“The music department has always been a big issue with me,” Allen said. “We have to discuss these things and we have to make hard decisions. Some of them are very unpleasant.”

Allen said he is keeping his mind open on the issue.

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