Listen to this note:
It’s no secret that local public school music programs have been in need of money for years- most programs have. But now, our arts and music programs have an infusion of money thanks to voters passing California Proposition 28 in 2022, which requires the state to start a new ongoing program supporting arts education in California K-12 Public Schools.
But once the money gets to the school district, it’s up to each one to decide how the money gets spent.
Take for example one local school district. Belmont-Redwood Shores School District's (BRSSD) share allots $450,000 for arts and music programs, with 80% of that money required to be spent on salaries to hire new teachers. However, even this infusion of money doesn't guarantee a fix for inequality that already exists between schools.
In the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District (BRSSD), students at Nesbit Middle School and Sandpiper Middle School only have music education for one 45 minute session a week.
This differs heavily with the robust music program at the larger district middle school, Ralston Middle School, at which students receive quality instruction four days a week plus multiple concert and field trip opportunities.
Yet even with access to Proposition 28 money and impassioned speeches from community members at last month”s board of trustees meeting advocating for equity, no Proposition 28 funds were allocated to the smaller middle school programs, where some of the district’s most diverse populations of students have inadequate access to grade appropriate music instruction.
Students shouldn’t have to endure a lower quality level of education because of the school they attend, especially when the means to provide those opportunities is accessible. It’s the responsibility of the superintendent and the school district to provide students with equal access to opportunities to study music.
Voters approved Proposition 28 with good intentions – thinking all students will benefit. However, music and arts education need more than only money.
We need to pay attention toward providing equity in education – ensuring that all students and all populations have access to the same high quality of instruction.
Proposition 28 is a good start, but now it is also up to local school boards and communities to pay close attention to how this money is being spent and to hold district administrators accountable for serving each and every student equally.
More from the author: Proposition 1: Why Your Vote Matters
