Board hears music and PE staffing update after parents and staff raise concerns about Lake Canyon program

District administrators updated the board on music and physical‑education staffing and expenditures, and the board heard a public comment urging a Lake Canyon music teacher be funded for the 2025–26 school year.

Chief instructional staff reported the district will have nine elementary preparation teachers next year (five PE and four music teachers) after a recent successful hire to fill a music vacancy. Staff said the district has maintained five music teachers since about 2015 and that Prop 28 funds and one‑time allocations have been used to purchase instruments, stage and sound equipment, and pay for training.

A parent who identified herself as the mother of a Lake Canyon sixth grader told the board that Lake Canyon has not had a posted music teacher position for more than five years, that some grade levels lacked band participation this year, and that the Lake Canyon spring concert was canceled because the band had insufficient rehearsal time. She asked the board to vote at the next meeting to fund a Lake Canyon music teacher rather than use Prop 28 money for other purposes at that site.

Staff said Prop 28 and one‑time funds have been used across sites for varying music offerings (band, bell ensembles, ukulele, guitar tied to staff expertise). District staff noted the district spends funds on music supplies and services (recent totals cited in the presentation) and that a detailed Prop 28 expenditure report will be brought to the next meeting.

Board reaction and next steps

Board members acknowledged the importance of consistent music staffing, asked for the Prop 28 expenditure report to show school‑level allocations, and committed to add staffing questions to upcoming budget planning and communications with principals. A board member asked staff to examine whether Lake Canyon can be provided a site‑based full‑time music teacher next year.