Fundraiser tries to save teachers at SCPA

Their future home, a glamorous new K-12 performing arts school, is already in the works at the corner of Elm and Central Parkway. But the talented kids at the School for Creative and Performing Arts are struggling because of massive district-wide cuts.

A total of $2 million has been cut from SCPA's budget in the past three years -- $1.1 million in the past year alone.

The school has lost three artistic programs in the past three years: photography, sound engineering and modern dance.

District cuts have erased 20 teachers at SCPA in the past four years.

SCPA predicts an artistic budget shortfall of $200,000 this year.

Here's what might be eliminated: private music lesson scholarships, community performances and desperately-needed equipment such as MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

And more cuts could be coming soon.

Alvin F. Roehr Jr., president of Schiff Kreidler-Shell Inc., wants to do something about it. He and others have organized "A Winter Wonderland" event, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow night. The evening begins at Herman Miller Gallery, 222 E. 14th Street. There's valet parking, a holiday trolley and a "Grand Nutcracker Performance."

Tickets: $150 per couple, payable to Friends of SCPA. Or feel free to just make a donation. All proceeds go directly to academic and artistic teachers severely affected by CPS budget cuts. 513-977-8714, e-mail Tracey Spracklen tspracklen@sksins.com.

Photo by Gary Landers, the Junior High Choirs, with teachers Rick Hand and Laurie Wyant.

P.S. If you want to read the lengthy post that a composer posted below, a satire on "It's a wonderful life," click here.