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Parents and students urge Central SD 13J to preserve and expand performing arts
Summary
Multiple parents, students and community volunteers told the Central School District board that music, band and theater programs improve attendance, academic outcomes and students’ sense of belonging, and warned that cuts would harm vulnerable students and district graduation goals.
Community members used the public-comment period at the Central School District board meeting to press the board to protect and expand performing-arts programs.
Jason Mortensen, a parent, said he submitted a 37-page PDF and a meta-study linking participation in instrumental music to higher exam scores, improved well-being and social cohesion. "If you cut the program, you risk losing the student," Mortensen said, citing the district’s 2025 graduation rate of 77.3% and the district goal of 90%.
Patrick Aldrich, a parent and analyst in the Division of Academic Affairs at Oregon State University, summarized research connecting music education with mathematical understanding and college readiness and praised Central High School band teacher Mr. Probst for providing continuity and a safe space for students.
Aaron Villanueva, an incoming senior, urged the board to prioritize student impacts of past proposed cuts and expressed support for temporary measures such as partial use of the contingency fund and fundraising as stopgap steps.
Barbara Harriman, a longtime volunteer and founder of the Apple Box Children’s Theater program, said theater and music helped her children and many others find belonging and boost reading, math and executive-function skills. "For many, it is like water. Without it, these kids will wither away," Harriman said.
Skyler Steves, an upcoming junior, asked the board to consider students with special needs who rely on school resources for learning and support.
Several speakers tied performing-arts participation to attendance, graduation and social-emotional learning and urged the board to seek creative budget solutions and scholarship safeguards rather than program reductions.
The board did not take any formal action on arts funding during this meeting; public comments were entered for the record and the board moved on to scheduled agenda items.
