Spent over 2 decades in inner city schools

The maximum is like stock cars. If you maximize the HP then it comes down to the driver. Band A spending 100k on a show versus band b spending 10k on a show will not look the same. Band A spending 100k on extra staff versus band B limited to 3 directors total will not have the ability to get to the specials, (I've seen places where they have 4 guard directors including movement, flag, rifle, saber)..... Maximizing the amount levels the playing field. Otherwise, we stay right where we are. YOu are missing the point on the minimum. There is no reason to mandate how much to spend. There is reason to mandate the maximum.

Synth is not an acceptable solution and it isn't simply as easy as telling the junior highs to recruit more Tubas. Much more complicated than that. As is your final statement of just teach. Isn't that simple.