District proposes $265,000 for secondary choir alignment, shared sheet-music library

Dr. Shelley Bowden and fine-arts facilitator Tammy Kaufman presented a spotlight on the district’s secondary choir curriculum on June 9, describing a vertical, standards-aligned choir sequence and a district proposal to ensure equitable resources across middle and high schools.

Kaufman said the review produced a set of aligned instructional practices and program resources designed to provide consistent, high-quality choral experiences from middle school through high school. The proposal includes classroom equipment (sound systems and microphones, risers or chairs, music stands, storage carts, keyboards, percussion, and adequate material storage), digital platforms for instruction and assessment (Music First, Aurelia, Subed), classroom iPads for displaying and annotating music, and a centrally cataloged sheet-music library so teachers can check out repertoire.

Kaufman told the board the initial estimated cost for district materials and supports is about $265,000, which she described as within budget and equivalent to less than $34,000 per program when spread across the secondary programs. "The initial cost for the secondary curricular materials are estimated to be about $265,000," she said, adding that a shared music library would reduce long-term duplication and replacement costs.

Board members praised the focus on equitable access and noted research linking music participation to improved academic outcomes. Kaufman and Bowden said implementation will include teacher supports, coordinated instructional outcomes and timelines for replacements and digital license management.

Next steps: staff will continue to refine the implementation plan and budget, and bring specific purchase and timeline recommendations back to the board as part of regular budget and contract approvals.