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Teachers, parents warn Modesto City Schools plan would erode elementary instrumental music
Summary
At the Nov. 17 board meeting, music teachers, union leaders and parents said a district proposal to convert certain prep and computer‑literacy positions into VAPA (visual and performing arts) instructor roles and a new elementary rotation schedule would make meaningful 4th–6th grade band and orchestra instruction impossible; the superintendent said no cuts are proposed while negotiations continue.
Music teachers, union leaders and parents told the Modesto City Schools Board of Trustees on Nov. 17 that a proposed elementary schedule and job‑description changes would fragment grade‑level ensembles and effectively eliminate elementary band and orchestra.
"Under this proposal, the affected teachers would be required to obtain an additional credential," Jennifer McGrath, president of the Modesto Teachers Association, told trustees. McGrath said the change would force experienced computer‑literacy and prep providers to pursue credentials many cannot reasonably obtain and would weaken both technology instruction and specialized instrumental programs.
Several classroom and instrumental teachers gave concrete examples of how the schedule would undermine instruction. "Instead of 1 cohesive beginning strings class, the schedule would force elementary instrumental music teachers to meet with 4th graders at one time regardless of instrument, 5th graders at another time, and 6th graders at another time," said Matthew Fredrickson, an elementary instrumental teacher, arguing the reorganization would prevent multi‑grade ensembles and developmentally appropriate instruction.
Richard Winkler, president of the Stanislaus County Music Educators Association, said the proposal as presented "does not expand or strengthen our elementary music programs" and urged the board to partner with music educators to craft an alternate plan that preserves both general music exposure and dedicated instrumental instruction.
Superintendent Mitrago responded directly to the concerns, saying Modesto City Schools "is neither proposing to cut music nor exploring the option" and reminding the public that the district is in active negotiations with the teachers' union. The superintendent and union leaders repeatedly stressed that bargaining remains ongoing and that no final decisions have been made.
Speakers urged several specific changes: maintain protected instrumental minutes for 4th–6th grades, hire single‑subject music teachers where possible, and involve current music educators in finalizing any VAPA implementation. A number of teachers also described personal and professional stress tied to the uncertainty, citing costs and time required to pursue new credentialing.
The board did not take immediate action on the proposal during the meeting. McGrath said prep providers and computer literacy teachers will return Dec. 15 to speak further; trustees and the superintendent repeatedly encouraged continued negotiation and collaboration with music staff before any policy is finalized.
