REGINA — The recent decision of the Regina Public Schools (RPS) to make cuts to its band program is being appealed.
Last week, the school’s board of trustees voted 6-1 in favour of reducing the program by $450,000 as part of balancing their 2025-2026 budget.
These cuts included reassigning 4.5 out of 14 full-time employee positions within the school division, while restructuring the program for Grade 6-8 students.
Per a media release, this decision has prompted the Regina Band Parent Leadership Team (RBPLT), which represents music parents and associations from Martin, Thom, Winston Knoll, and Campbell Collegiates, to submit an appeal to the RPS board of education.
RBPLT mentions that thousands of people signed to maintain the current structure of the band program. Additionally, a report shows further cuts would threaten the survival of public elementary music education in Regina.
Their request asks the RPS board of education to pause the planned cuts, while implementing a task force composed of educators, administration and parent representatives dedicated to finding solutions for a sustainable, inclusive and quality band program.
“This decision directly contradicts the division’s stated commitment to student well-being, community building and parental involvement,” states the appeal.
The appeal also mentioned the cuts being made without “sufficient analysis.”
In a recent interview, board chair Adam Hicks said the RPS is committed to conducting an extensive review for the band program over the next year.
This would include looking at best practices across Canada and discussing data shared by an expert.
Final approval of the 2025-2026 budget is expected to pass by the Ministry of Education in late August.
