COMPANY GIFT BUYS TIME FOR MUSIC PROGRAM BUILDERS CONTRIBUTE $5,000.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

VALENCIA - After learning of the Newhall School District's need to trim $1 million from its budget, a construction company donated $5,000 to help keep the district's music program - the only one in the area - running for three months.

Bernards Bros. Construction Management of San Fernando, currently working on the district's modernization of Wiley Canyon Elementary School, presented the check at Tuesday's school board meeting so children can continue to benefit from music instruction.

``We read that the music program was in danger and needed $5,000 to finish the school year,'' said Terry Zinger, the company vice president who presented the check. ``We just had this groundswell within the company to help out.''

District Superintendent Marc Winger said that because of a decrease in state funds as well as rising electricity costs and other factors, the district expects a $1.2 million shortfall in the 2001-02 budget.

The program lost two teachers this year, prompting the parent-run group Music Makers to increase its efforts to help pay for consultants to teach students and prepare them for the spring concert at California Institute of the Arts.

``This money will support the costs that are usually paid by Music Makers - consultants to work with the kids and rental costs for a spring concert at CalArts,'' Winger said.

Zinger said the company was happy to contribute to children's ongoing musical education.

``There's more to education than just the academics, although that's very important,'' he said. ``Music is not only important to all kids, but especially to kids from families with limited incomes and resources,'' he said.