After hours of student testimony, Peoria Unified renews theater, music and dance memberships

Peoria Unified’s governing board voted unanimously Aug. 28 to renew professional memberships for performing‑arts organizations — including the Educational Theater Association (EDTA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) affiliate groups and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) — after a large turnout of students, teachers and parents urged the district not to sever ties.

The vote followed a presentation from district leadership that summarized guidance from the Arizona Department of Education and federal developments. Superintendent Dr. Summers told the board that ADE had contacted the U.S. Department of Education and, as of Aug. 22, had not been directed to withhold federal funds related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices; ADE described the federal position as aligned on the point that student selection for performing‑arts recognition should be based on ability, not race or ethnicity. The district’s legal counsel also informed the board about a recent federal district‑court ruling in Maryland vacating a U.S. Department of Education certification requirement, an item the district said it will monitor as legal guidance evolves.

Why it mattered

The agenda item drew an extraordinary showing: students, many wearing program pins and carrying certificates, described how membership in national organizations provides access to competitions, adjudication, scholarships and recognition that many said are crucial to college applications and careers in the arts. The board heard roughly 63 public comments, most from high‑school students and arts directors, and multiple teachers and community boosters.

Student testimony and board discussion

Students described how participation in thespian, choir, band and dance programs led to scholarships, state championships and professional opportunities. “The arts are not extra — they are essential,” Cheyenne Smith, a Centennial High School senior and drama officer, told the board. Speakers emphasized that these memberships connect students to adjudication standards, scholarships and regional and national festivals.

Several members of the board signaled strong support for renewing the memberships while also raising concerns about policy statements posted by some national organizations. Clerk Toby and other board members cited language on an association website indicating a target that would allocate certain awards by racial categories; Clerk Toby said the district should press organizations to ensure awards and scholarships are distributed on the basis of interest and merit rather than race. Board members asked administration to include an “attestation statement” with the renewal and to continue monitoring state and federal guidance.

Board action

Clerk Toby moved to approve the renewal of the memberships, with an attestation statement and continued monitoring; Mrs. Boles seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

What’s next

District staff said they will continue to review state and federal guidance and keep the board informed. Administrators also suggested the district would work with hosting organizations to ensure competitions and scholarships comply with applicable state and federal directives while preserving students’ competitive access.