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Music teacher urges investment in arts as Gilroy Unified declares March Arts Education Month
Summary
A Gilroy Unified music teacher urged the board to affirm arts instruction as the district proclaimed March Arts Education Month, citing Proposition 28 funding and the district's TK–12 arts strategic planning; the board approved the resolution unanimously as read.
Jonathan Souza, a Gilroy Unified music teacher, told the board on March 6 that arts education transforms students’ lives and urged continued investment as trustees considered a resolution designating March as Arts Education Month.
"It’s hard to believe but this is my 12th year here in G unified ... I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impacts of Arts education on our students' lives," Souza said in public comment, noting selection of students for regional and national honor choirs and the district’s use of Proposition 28 funds to expand access.
Superintendent Dr Muni presented a resolution citing the California State Board of Education’s arts-education policy and the Visual and Performing Arts framework, and specifically referenced Proposition 28, the state measure that guarantees arts and music funding for public schools. Dr Muni said the district is developing a TK–12 arts strategic plan that engages educators, students, parents and community members.
Trustees moved, seconded and adopted the resolution; the roll call as read in open session recorded affirmative votes from the trustees present. The board encouraged schools to mark March with activities that demonstrate student learning in the arts and asked staff to continue development of the district arts plan.
The board’s action formalizes support for arts programming funded in part through Proposition 28 and reinforces the district’s stated plan to expand TK–12 arts education.
