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KGBSD Instrument Repair
1) Needs Identified
KGBSD music programs have identified a large backlog of school-owned instruments that are past due for maintenance and repair. These needs have been documented by music staff at three sites:
Charter School repair bill: $2,550
Ketchikan High School repair bill: $5,650
Schoenbar Middle School projected repairs: $3,700
Round-trip shipping estimate (no local repair available): $3,000
Because Ketchikan is an island community with no local instrument repair services, instruments must be shipped off-island for repair. Budget cuts at the borough level have limited the district's ability to address this growing backlog, which risks reducing student access to functional instruments and threatening the continuity of music education.
2) How the Project Will Meet Those Needs
This project will restore access to playable instruments by funding and coordinating an off-island repair cycle:
Prioritize instruments (30-50): KGBSD music staff will confirm the list of instruments most urgently needed for student participation (band/orchestra and general music).
Ship instruments off-island for professional repair: Instruments will be packaged, shipped, repaired, and returned to Ketchikan.
Return instruments to service: Upon return, instruments will be checked in and placed back into student inventory for the 2027-2028 school year.
This approach directly addresses the identified needs by removing the primary barrier-repair access and shipping costs-and by reducing the current backlog so students can continue participating in music.
3) Timeline (2027-2028 School Year)
Summer 2027 (May-August):
Confirm final instrument list and prioritize 30-50 instruments
Obtain/confirm vendor quotes and shipping arrangements
Pack, document, and ship instruments to repair facility
Fall 2027 (September-November):
Repairs completed and instruments returned in batches as available
KGBSD staff check-in, inventory updates, and reissue to students
Winter 2027-Spring 2028 (December-May):
Address any remaining repairs within scope (as funds allow)
Project close-out report to Rotary (costs, number repaired, outcomes)
4) Use of Project Funds
Project funds will be used specifically for:
Instrument repair and parts (as outlined by the site repair lists above)
Round-trip shipping costs to qualified off-island repair providers (estimated $3,000)
Packing/shipping supplies and tracking materials as needed to safely transport instruments (labels, packing materials, etc.)
Total project estimate: $14,900
District funding request: $5,500
5) Club Member Involvement
Rotary club members will be actively involved through:
Project coordination: serve as primary point of contact with KGBSD and repair vendor(s)
Instrument packing days: volunteers will assist KGBSD staff with organizing, labeling, packing, and documenting instruments for shipment (including photos/condition notes as appropriate)
Logistics and tracking: maintain a shipment/repair tracking log (instrument ID, school, ship date, return date, repair summary, and cost)
Receiving and support: assist with unpacking/return inventory organization upon arrival (with KGBSD staff)
Reporting: compile a brief final report for the Rotary District (funds used, number of instruments repaired, and how many were returned to student use)
6) Expected Outcomes
30-50 instruments repaired and returned to service for the 2027-2028 school year
Increased student access to functioning instruments across three schools (possibly more if funds allow)
Stronger continuity of music programming in Ketchikan despite budget constraints and geographic barriers
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