Chesapeake schools plan standardized elementary resource schedule to protect core instruction and expand music electives

Chesapeake Public Schools presented a plan to standardize elementary resource scheduling and expand access to grade strings and other music electives, with the stated goal of protecting core instructional time while broadening music opportunities.

Orian Burke, supervisor of music for Chesapeake Public Schools, told the board the division’s review found participation in grade strings is balanced across schools but that structural scheduling differences — resource blocks of 30 to 45 minutes at different schools — create inequities and force some schools to pull students from core instruction. "Our revised focus is to create a consistent schedule that protects core instruction while still supporting robust music offerings," Burke said.

District staff proposed two main goals: build well-rounded elementary musicians and implement a standardized schedule of 40-minute resource blocks to ensure instructional equity. The plan is organized in two phases: align elementary resource schedules beginning in the 2025–26 school year and plan to launch enhanced grade-level musical electives (students choosing two of three: chorus, strings or band) in the 2026–27 school year. The division said the electives launch will have staffing and budgetary implications and require careful planning.

The proposal includes budgeting for additional instruments and intends to expand summer musical enrichment and instrument survey opportunities so students can gain basic skills before middle school. The supervisor also noted travel and scheduling challenges for teachers who teach strings at multiple schools and the difficulty of building master schedules while preserving core academic time.

No board votes were taken on the information item; the presentation concluded with the board having no questions at the time and the superintendent encouraged continued planning and communication with families.

Next steps: district staff said they are working with content supervisors and principals to implement aligned resource scheduling in 2025–26 and will finalize staffing and budget proposals for elective implementation in 2026–27.