Nine Caddo Parish public schools have lost music teachers because of budget constraints, including one that is a performing arts school.

When the school district made budget cuts last year, $75,000 was taken from the music budget, which pays for things like instruments and band uniforms. The district reassigned or lost nine music teacher positions in the process.

Sonya Robinson said her son looked forward to band at his school, Newton Smith Visual and Performing Arts School.

But the band director is no longer there. Newton Smith still has choir, general music, piano and guitar as electives.

Caddo Schools spokeswoman Tricia Grayson said principals at schools with lower enrollments had to cut staff to save money.

Asked why a school that stresses performing arts would cut a band director, Grayson said, "Principals had to make tough decisions. When it comes down to protecting core curriculum and making sure we're teaching core curriculum, sometimes those decisions have to be made."

Grayson said the district is discussing options to reinstate programs that were lost.

That could involve sharing resources. One option being considered is for the band director at nearby M.J. Moore Middle School to also serve as the band director at Newton Smith.