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Music program update: staffing gaps narrowed but concerns raised about Vincent High School
Summary
The district reported roughly 123 music teachers this year and that 66 schools have full-time music teachers; administrators said materials and instruments are provided based on programmed courses. Public commenters and union representatives said Vincent High School had a reduction in music time, and administration said the full-time position was restored.
District music staff told the committee the music program has expanded substantially, but public speakers and union representatives raised concerns about recent reductions at individual schools.
Music curriculum specialist Sherry Garcia said about 66 schools have a full-time music teacher, roughly 28% of classes are covered by community partners and about 5% of MPS students do not have daily music instruction. "It's always our goal to erase that 5%," Garcia said, adding that the department expects to make progress in 2026-27 as new positions are filled.
Garcia described recent district music events, curriculum development, essential standards assignments and interactive district checkpoints delivered in English and Spanish. She said the department is entering a new RFP for music support this fall and will align budget for lesson support with ensemble growth and enrollment.
Public commenters including longtime band director Mark Grauer and MTA representative Ingrid Walker Henry said Vincent High School's music position had been reduced from full time to one day per week and asked for confirmation that the full-time position would be restored. Administration responded that Vincent had made a program choice that did not meet the district's music policy; the district restored a full-time position for the school and described it as a small-class-size stand-up request that will provide daily music sections.
Directors asked about materials and summer programming; Garcia said supplies are provided through an AMP supply fund, referendum dollars and an order form for teachers, and she outlined multiple summer music classes for students at North Division and Elm Creative Arts School.
The committee accepted the informational report; administration said it would continue working on RFPs and staffing to expand daily music instruction across the district.
