Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves expanded elementary performing arts and restores middle‑school world language
Summary
The board approved a plan to expand performing‑arts minutes for grades 4–5 (40→60), create a 4th‑grade musical‑theater option, double 5th‑grade music staffing using Prop 28 funds, and offer a full year of world language for 7th graders; board recorded the motion as carried 5‑0.
After a multi‑meeting design process, the Piedmont board approved changes to elementary performing arts and a phased plan to restore a full year of world language beginning in 7th grade.
Assistant Superintendent Ariel Dolowich said the proposal would raise performing‑arts instructional time for 4th and 5th grades from 40 to 60 minutes, add theater/musical‑theater exposure at 4th grade, and effectively double 5th‑grade music staffing (orchestra/strings plus band) using Prop 28 funds. Dolowich told the board the district receives roughly $260,000 annually in Prop 28 funds and that the plan uses a portion of that to buy instruments and add staff. "This new developing program starting at 25–26 doubles exposure for our 4th and 5th grade students," he said.
Parents and arts advocates generally supported the emphasis on 60‑minute blocks and broader access to theater arts but several urged the district not to "lose a year of music" at 4th grade, warning that delayed instrumental entry could weaken the middle‑ and high‑school music pathway. Amy Morehead, a performing arts teacher, described musical theater as a blend of dance, theater and music and said curriculum standards would guide age‑appropriate musical activities for 4th graders.
Trustees praised the collaborative process, asked for additional community input and agreed the program will use design teams and community meetings during implementation. The board approved the recommendation in a motion recorded as carried 5‑0.
