Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

BUDGET REACTION

Strings students voice disappointment at loss of program in SD73

May 12, 2025 | 4:36 PM

KAMLOOPS – People gathered on Victoria Street in downtown Kamloops Saturday (May 10) morning to rally against proposed cuts to the Kamloops Thompson School District (SD73) budget, which recently includes the loss of the Strings program.

“As a parent, it’s very concerning because we’re taking away the things that help them with their mental health. If we keep on cutting more, our children are not going to be able to have the same upbringing as we did,” said Nadine Wagner, a concerned parent.

The local arts community also noted the effect that losing out on the Strings program will have on the music community in Kamloops.

“We have many graduates from the school system joining in and playing with us. The livelihood of our community and the arts and music is why I’m here,” said Jill Calder, the president of the Thompson Valley Orchestra.

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Students and friends of those affected also wanted to have their words heard.

“It’s a sense of community that’s lost,” said Matthew Cochrane, a local student.

“It’s like you got all these friends doing a thing and it’s hard to get people with, like, big instruments doing things together. It sucks for everyone,” added Kenny Carol, another student.

For rural students, the loss of library and science assistants could make learning even more difficult.

“The main concern is that cuts to the library programs, particularly for the kids in the rural schools, are already so disadvantaged. By removing these positions, it’s further impacting them,” said Paul Swain, a concerned grandparent.

There is concern about the loss of important extracurricular instructors.

“If it’s a CEA, if it’s a library assistant, if it’s a science assistant, if it’s a music teacher — they’re all important. Losing those people and the opportunities that they provide is devastating,” said Chris Ponti, a DPAC member.

On May 26, District Parent Advisory Boards from across the province plan to band together and stage a rally in Victoria.