The Minneapolis Public School District will face some tough decisions in the coming months. The district’s new superintendent is reporting a budget shortfall of at least $110 million due to a variety of factors like declining enrollment and the end of federal COVID funding… and cuts are likely.

Now some parents are trying to make sure a popular music program doesn’t get cut. It’s called the 5^th Grade Instrumental Music For All Program. The program allows every 5^th grader in the district to learn and play a musical instrument.

Parents like Mike Weinand launched an online petition to try and save the program. It’s already gotten close to 2,500 signatures in less than a week. He says he is trying to raise awareness and possibly even raise enough funds to save the program.

“The cool thing about this program is it’s for everybody.  It doesn’t matter which school or zip code.  I want every kid to have this same opportunity,” he said.

The final MPS budget is scheduled for approval on June 18.

For more information on the petition, click here.