During a recent government meeting, officials provided an extensive update on the Riverside Unified School District's (RUSD) arts plan, emphasizing its alignment with board priorities in arts, Career Technical Education (CTE), and STEM education. The presentation highlighted the integration of the arts into the district's Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the implications of Proposition 28, which aims to enhance arts and music education in schools.

Kirsten Fraustow, the director of instruction for grades PK-6, outlined the foundational elements of the district's transformational arts plan, developed over a year with input from over 30 community partners. The plan focuses on fostering 21st-century skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration through a robust arts curriculum. Notably, the district has expanded its offerings to include innovative courses in jewelry, professional photography, and mariachi, while also doubling participation in instrumental music programs.

The meeting also addressed funding strategies, including the successful utilization of Title IV federal funds to support a well-rounded education that includes the arts. The district has actively pursued grants, including a significant award from the National Endowment for the Arts aimed at quantifying the impact of music education on academic performance.

Educators Josue Palacios from Mountain View Elementary and Anna Hightower from North High School shared personal testimonies about the transformative power of arts education. Palacios noted how art and music lessons foster emotional well-being and build student confidence, while Hightower highlighted the arts' role in helping students overcome personal challenges and develop essential life skills.

Overall, the meeting underscored RUSD's commitment to enhancing arts education as a vital component of student learning and well-being, with plans for continued expansion and community engagement in the arts.