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Kansas high school’s piano purchase hits sour note

By Associated Press - | Feb 3, 2015

? A Kansas City high school’s purchase of an estimated $47,000 grand piano is striking some sour notes among critics.

The school board approved the purchase last month for Sumner Academy. District officials say the old piano is in poor condition due to use and age. It’s at least 40 years old.

The Wichita Eagle reports some, like former state Sen. Chris Steineger, wonder whether a public high school needs such a high-end instrument.

Rep. Steve Huebert is a member of the House Education Budget Committee and says such expenditures raise questions of stewardship of the public’s money.

The district’s director of purchasing says several students are preparing for careers in music performance and need a quality piano to prepare for scholarship auditions.