Board answers concerns about cuts

SHARON, Pa. -- Ann Lepak is upset with the Sharon City School Board.
The Wengler Avenue woman asked the board Wednesday night how it could justify cutting music and technology education in the elementary grades to just every other week this school year.
Lepak said she and other parents are upset at the cutback and want those classes restored.
"It's lowering Sharon's standards," Lepak said.
School officials said budget cuts resulted in reducing the music and technology education programs at the elementary level.
Cuts had to be made, said Dr. Donna DeBonis, superintendent.
"We're re-evaluating that now," DeBonis said, adding that the district is looking for alternative funding to pay the cost of technology education.
School Director Dom Russo, a retired teacher, went a step further, pointing out that not all of the school board was in agreement on reducing those two programs.
He said he is insistent that they be restored "as soon as practical."
"Trust me," he told Lepak, "It's going to come back."