Bay Minette Middle School Band Cuts

News 5 has learned school officials in Baldwin County are cutting the band program at Bay Minette Middle School to save the school district money. The school will only offer two periods of band and will share a part-time instructor with another school. After after-school band activities like pep rallies and marching units will be eliminated.

Last week, school officials warned teachers, parents and students possible extra-curricular cuts would be possible to help off-set a 56 million dollar budget shortfall.

"We understand the pain, the complaints and there will be more of them, but we're also asking the parents to understand we're in uncharted territory," says school spokesman Terry Wilhite.

School supt. Dr. Faron Hollinger has ordered all principals to make as many cuts as possible.

"A principal has to do what he or she has to do to continue the basics of education," says Wilhite. "It's a sad day and age, we're looking at an economy that's shaken Wall Street, wiped out the automotive industry, it's also affected the school system.

School board members are meeting with county commissioners and local lawmakers this week to discuss a proposed one cent sales tax increase. If approved, the tax hike would generate millions of dollars for the struggling school system.