The Valparaiso (Ill.) High School band has been supplanted by the athletic department as the operator of the school’s concessions.
According to the Chicago Tribune, band volunteers have managed the concessions for over 60 years, with all profits going to the band program. However, VHS administration recently decided that the concession stand will now be operated by the athletic department, with proceeds going to the athletic department.
The administration says the change was aimed at switching the operating party of the football concessions from an external parent organization to one of the administration’s internal departments.
“The revenue from football concessions goes toward restocking concession supplies, concession equipment costs and the cost of cleanup of the stadium after games,” said Stacy Adams, athletic director, said in conjunction with VHS administration."
Beyond the concession stand revenue, the athletic department also holds fundraisers, including ticket sales, sponsorships and in-kind donations.
The band was apparently given advanced notice of the change and is looking at how it will move forward.
“We will take this year to look into new fundraising opportunities. Our administration is very proactive. They understand that there are needs that have to be met as instruments and equipment age,” band director Miguel Rosario told the Tribune. “The district is really looking into it and cares about it. We are working together with the administration to create a long-term instrument replacement plan.”
