Mt. Hope High School's theatre program will live on in some form, following the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee unanimous decision Monday evening to approve $2.3 million in budget cuts this coming school year.

In a list of proposed cuts presented to the school committee earlier this month, Supt. Jonathan Brie had recommended eliminating the theatre director's position, a move which would have saved the district $77,160. The proposal caused widespread outrage in the community, and a petition started by a Mt. Hope High School student received more than 2,000 signatures in its first few days.

Committee members declined to vote on the cuts last week, saying that they instead would work with administration to find a solution. The resulting plan approved Monday night reduces the theatre director position held by Nick Mendillo by 60 percent. Dr. Brice said that even at that reduced amount, it will be enough to support two theatre classes per semester, as well as the after school theatre program.

"The program is critical for our students," committee member Nicky Piper said. "This new plan acknowledges the concerns and comes to us with solutions."

It's "the best possible outcome under the circumstances," she said.

In addition, the previous plan, to eliminate one music teacher at the Kickemuit Middle School, was abandoned in favor of reducing that position by 50 percent. That decision will mean the band will have fewer band and chorus sections.

"No one is going to be overwhelmed and completely happy with this budget, nor should they be," Dr. Brice said. "But our job is to make sure that we have a balanced budget."

Nearly 25 full time positions will be eliminated, and the committee's decision Monday allows the distict to mail out pink slips by the state's deadline of Tuesday, June 1.