Music plans shift — District interviews applicant, prepares school alternatives
Weston County School District No. 1 ended the opening week of school with one certified applicant for its K-12 music position and separate plans for elementary, middle and high school students if the vacancy continues.
Superintendent Brad LaCroix told the News Letter Journal on Aug. 28 that the district had received two applications, but only one applicant was certified. The district planned to conduct an interview the week of Aug. 31.
The update came two days after LaCroix told the district’s board of trustees at its Aug. 26 meeting that no one qualified had applied for the position. LaCroix said the district would work with the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board and hoped to recommend a teacher at the next board meeting.
The district ideally wants someone qualified to teach both instrumental and vocal music in grades K-12.
Principal Bryce Hoffman said the shortage is not limited to Newcastle. According to board treasurer Dana Mann-Tavegia, 12 of Wyoming’s 48 school districts are seeking music teachers. The district has also contacted Black Hills State University about student teachers who may graduate in December.
Newcastle Elementary Principal Brandy Holmes said on Aug. 28 that the individual LaCroix mentioned at the board meeting as having interest only in teaching grades K-5 had not contacted her.
If no teacher is hired, Newcastle Elementary will not hold a Christmas concert, Holmes said. Community events such as the cantata are not connected to the district and may still occur.
As the NLJ previously reported, Holmes said on Aug. 17 that administrators were exploring long-term substitute options and had an elementary schedule ready to implement whenever a qualified teacher or substitute becomes available. She said the district desires a candidate capable of providing a high-quality program, rather than simply filling the vacancy.
During the board meeting, LaCroix said several people were willing to help students with rhythm and songs but did not want responsibility for preparing a public performance.
“They don’t want to do a Christmas concert, period,” LaCroix said.Â
Mann-Tavegia said she believes the risk of missing that pastime is what is heartbreaking for the community.
Newcastle Middle School will offer drama to students in grades 6-8 during both semesters, Principal Joe Johnson told the NLJ that Lindsey Burling, a middle school English teacher who has theater experience and has directed the school’s spring performances, will lead the class.
Students will present two community performance nights before the holidays and the school’s traditional Greek mythology performances in the spring. Johnson told the NLJ that the plan will preserve creative opportunities for students while the district continues searching for a licensed music teacher.
At Newcastle High School, band and choir are not being offered because the district lacks a certified music educator, Principal Bryce Hoffman told families on Aug. 17. The courses cannot be offered for elective credit without a certified instructor, but students could enroll during the second semester if the district hires one.
Hoffman told the NLJ on Aug. 28 that he had no additional update. Although virtual instruction would be better than no music offering, he said the district’s partner, Cowboy State Virtual Academy, had no online music courses available.
LaCroix said the district had spoken with someone comfortable teaching music virtually, but that option would not provide the in-person leadership needed for concerts. Johnson said the middle school would explore restoring hands-on music instruction if a qualified teacher becomes available during the school year.
“While virtual music instruction exists, I firmly believe that nothing can replace the impact of an engaging, present teacher when it comes to building and sustaining a strong music program,” Johnson said.
Editor’s note: Mary Stroka is also the music accompanist at Twin Spruce Junior High in Campbell County.