An impassioned crowd of more than 250 parents and students from Saratoga High School and Redwood Middle School attended the board's Feb. 7 meeting, all to tell it how much music director Michael Boitz means to the music program. Some parents even used the board's discussion on future district budget priorities as a platform to give an additional plug for Boitz. Those who attended the meeting say the teacher is considering leaving because of personnel issues at school, that he is overworked and has been interviewing elsewhere.

If Boitz goes, so does the music program at Saratoga, they say.

"He is the heart and soul of the music department," said freshman Nikki Chang. "We'll be losing a role model, a mentor and a friend."

Boitz has been at Saratoga for eight years, and many credit him with the music department's growth. About 300 students at Saratoga, about 25 percent of the school's population, take instrumental music classes. Boitz oversees the school's marching band, concert band, jazz band, orchestra and wind ensemble. His supporters point to his dedication to his students, remaining at school to work in the evenings long after classes have let out.

"He cares a lot about all of us," senior Fred Hwang said. "He has sacrificed so much and pushed the program to new heights."

Self-proclaimed band geek Gabby Lopez called the band room her home on campus and urged trustees and administrators to intervene to keep Boitz at Saratoga.

"He is a mentor to all of us," the sophomore said. "Please don't let all of his hard work go to waste."

Parents were worried that the trustees and Saratoga school officials were not acting quickly enough, fearing that Boitz would be working somewhere else next year.

"I stress that time is of the essence," parent Amita Shenoi said. "Save our music program. Let this be done as soon as possible."

Others said they wanted to see more accountability from the board.

"When our kids talk, we listen," parent Karen Azzi said. "I challenge you to make it work for our children because that's your job."

A small contingent of parents from Los Gatos High School was on hand to lend support. Band parent Judy Susuki said she was grateful that Boitz was able to guide Los Gatos' new band director when the school was rebuilding its band department in 2003.

"He has a genuine love for the program," Susuki said.

The board took no action on the matter, saying that personnel issues preclude them from taking a position. Principal Jeff Anderson also remained mum.

"Unfortunately, when it's a matter of personnel, it can be frustrating when viewed from the outside. But the issue is sensitive and can't be discussed in public for legal reasons," he said after the meeting.