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Students, teachers and music ambassadors urge board to expand music access across Hillsborough County schools
Summary
Students and music teachers from Kenneth E. Adam Magnet and other schools addressed the Hillsborough County School Board on March 11, calling for broader, equitable access to music education and describing the benefits of music programs for student engagement and social-emotional learning.
A group of students, music teachers and school leaders told the Hillsborough County School Board on March 11 that music programs foster student confidence, community and academic gains and asked the board for continued and expanded support for music education across the district.
Jonathan Casanas, a music teacher at Kenneth E. Adam K-8 Magnet School, introduced the Music Ambassadors Program and described the students' goal to "improve access to music educational programming for our students across the Tampa Bay area, and more specifically here in Hillsborough County Public Schools." He said the student ambassadors have begun outreach to nonprofits including the Florida Orchestra and the Gasparilla Music Foundation to form partnerships that could extend programming.
Students gave short, personal testimonies about how music had helped them academically and socially. Fifth grader Rainey said: "Music is what makes everyone happy. It connects people from different backgrounds" and urged fairness in support across schools. Another student, Annie, described learning cello and said music "helped me... have more people to connect with and have fun with." Elementary- and middle-school students said music improved public speaking, perseverance and confidence.
Why it matters: Students and teachers told the board they want equitable access for all schools, not only those with established programs, and urged resources — instruments, teacher support and partnerships — that can help expand high-quality music instruction district-wide.
Board response and context: Board members and the superintendent thanked the students and teachers. The district noted ongoing supervisor-level support for arts and invited families and board members to the district Fine Arts Festival scheduled for March 12.
Direct quotes: Jonathan Casanas said, "Don't just be good; be good for something," and described music's role in developing empathy and communication. Fifth grader Rainey said, "We need to be fair and give everyone the same opportunities that will help them thrive and find their voice."
Background: Board Chair Jessica Vaughn opened the meeting noting Hillsborough County Public Schools serves more than 200,000 students and emphasizing the district's commitment to public participation and recognition of student achievement. Earlier in the meeting the board recognized teachers and support staff with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers "Bucks Best Crew" awards.
Next steps: Students and teachers asked for continued district support and for partnerships to expand access; the board and administration highlighted upcoming arts events and offered continued engagement with the Music Ambassadors Program.
