In response to Ms. Koegl, Ms. Garger and Mr. Perkowski: Yes, our school district's music program does indeed enjoy a very fine reputation. However, our academic programs and test scores are not currently held in very high regard. The point of my letter, which was obviously either missed or ignored by the respondents, was that if you can't afford everything, you have to have priorities.

A very close review of every code area in the proposed school budget is necessary and with proper guidelines, no child would be denied a musical instrument. In my opinion, the academic programs should be given first priority.

Helen Lafferty