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Parents praise district after Manuel Salinas magnet school regains full-time art teacher
Summary
Parents and community members told the San Bernardino board Jan. 6 that restoring a full-time VAPA art teacher at Manuel Salinas has revived the program; speakers delivered student letters and said they formed a PTO in response.
Parents and community members addressed the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board on Jan. 6 to thank the district for restoring a full-time visual and performing arts (VAPA) teacher at Manuel Salinas Elementary School.
Several speakers described how the absence of a full-time art teacher had reduced opportunities at the VAPA magnet campus and praised the district for hiring Mr. Okamoto (referred to in public comment). Speakers said students and families provided letters and student work to the board and that the restoration helped parents form a Parent-Teacher Organization.
One parent said the art teacher "is an exceptional teacher" whose range of instruction "from coloring to sketching" has enriched students' experiences and contributed to community engagement. Another speaker, who identified himself as a former student and parent, said the school now feels closer to pre-pandemic program levels and thanked trustees and staff for responding to earlier concerns.
Board response and follow-up Trustees and staff acknowledged the comments, asked clarifying questions about speakers’ names and forms for follow-up, and thanked the parents. Trustee Tillman asked about student grade levels and emphasized the board’s role in solving problems raised by the public. Staff confirmed they would follow up when additional information or contact details were provided.
Why it matters Public comment signaled strong parental support for arts programming at a VAPA magnet campus; parents said restored staffing improved student engagement and helped spur local volunteer organization (PTO) activity.
Sources and next steps Speakers identified in the public-comment roster included William Beshears, Molly Torr, Denise Hernandez and Ronald Alvarado; district staff said they would reach out to commenters if follow-up was requested and contact information provided.
