Save our 4th grade Orchestra
Donation protected
Despite our best efforts, Winona public school students have lost 4th grade orchestra due to budget cuts. But WAPS could save 4th grade orchestra THIS YEAR if we can raise 20,000. So many of us have felt frustrated and powerless in this struggle to find a way to make a difference, and the idea of a GoFundMe really struck a chord with me. I know that Winonans support our school music programs-- I watched you stand up so many times to speak, write letters, sign petitions, and spread the word on social media. I know that you care deeply about keeping music alive for our kids. Please beat the drums for 4th grade orchestra! Donate whatever you can-- any amount helps. Let's pull out all the stops, spread the word! We are doing this!
Why $20,000?
This number was originally suggested in the Spring of 2018 by Pat Blaisdell, HR for many years. This number represents .3 FTE (30% of a full-time position, which is about 20,000), which would/will be cut from .4 FTE in past years. This number was deemed adequate by both HR and music faculty due to the closing of two elementary schools. Although the number is listed as .58 (approximately 40,000) in the budget reduction document, it was, in actuality, .4.
Timeline, etc.:
We are planning to raise the money by the end of THIS MONTH, July 2019, and donate it to the school board with the stipulation that it MUST be used for 4th grade orchestra. The money will then be donated, IF we can convince 4 board members that this is worthwhile (three board members have consistently voted in our favor).
What happens to the money if this doesn’t work?
EVERY PENNY of the money will be FULLY REFUNDED if the board doesn’t agree to use the money for 4th grade orchestra, or if we do not raise enough money.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Meredith Mihm, [email redacted], [phone redacted]
**This GoFundMe is not affiliated with, or sponsored by Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS). **
Why $20,000?
This number was originally suggested in the Spring of 2018 by Pat Blaisdell, HR for many years. This number represents .3 FTE (30% of a full-time position, which is about 20,000), which would/will be cut from .4 FTE in past years. This number was deemed adequate by both HR and music faculty due to the closing of two elementary schools. Although the number is listed as .58 (approximately 40,000) in the budget reduction document, it was, in actuality, .4.
Timeline, etc.:
We are planning to raise the money by the end of THIS MONTH, July 2019, and donate it to the school board with the stipulation that it MUST be used for 4th grade orchestra. The money will then be donated, IF we can convince 4 board members that this is worthwhile (three board members have consistently voted in our favor).
What happens to the money if this doesn’t work?
EVERY PENNY of the money will be FULLY REFUNDED if the board doesn’t agree to use the money for 4th grade orchestra, or if we do not raise enough money.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Meredith Mihm, [email redacted], [phone redacted]
**This GoFundMe is not affiliated with, or sponsored by Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS). **
Organizer
Meredith Mihm
Organizer
Winona, MN