- BEAVERTON, Ore. -- April 28, 2010 - The Beaverton School District may cut some special classes such as music and physical education as it faces a $12 million shortfall.
- THOMASTON -- School district officials say art and music programs for elementary schoolers are on the chopping block for next year after a $350,000 cut to the requested $14.3 million budget.
- Out of about 350 pink slips issued by the Mt. Diablo school district, 180 have been rescinded, the assistant superintendent for personnel told me this afternoon. That leaves about 170 teachers and other credentialed employees wondering if they’ll have jobs in the fall. Music teachers have been hit especially hard because the school board has agreed to eliminate fifth-grade instrumental music next year.
- What's going on with Music Education in Rhode Island? - Several communities in Rhode Island have made or are now making drastic cuts to public school music programs. The sad truth is that Music Education is frequently the first place many schools systems look to cut costs. Often, a majority of students from the hardest-hit of these communities fall near or below the poverty line, and their only chance for musical instruction and exposure to the arts lies in public education.
And the list goes on and on. As the economy struggles, many school districts faced with budget crises continue to target the downsizing or complete elimination of their music/arts programs. I believe we all agree on how important this education is for our children. Then why is it that the schools just don't get it?
How do you feel about this subject? Aside from writing or calling our local /state representatives and filing petitions, what else can we do to fight back? We'd love to hear your thoughts - please comment below.