In a letter-to-the-editor by Carmela Amador-Fortin, a resident and band parent, criticizing the Edmonds School District’s decision to eliminate 6th-grade band and orchestra programs without public input, transparency, or justification, despite a $452 million operating budget. She argues that the cut, valued at $780,000, was unnecessary and ignored majority support by the community (only 45.1% favored the cut).
Amador-Fortin demanded reinstatement of the programs, a public hearing with full documentation, a compliance review, and an apology by the school district.
In response to her letter that was shared with the Edmonds School Board and state and federal officials, Nancy Katims, Ph.D., President of the Edmonds School Board, politely and professionally on behalf of the board, thanked Amador-Fortin for raising concerns about the music programs and clarified that the band and orchestra programs have not been eliminated district-wide.
In her official response to Amador-Fortin, she shared that band and orchestra programs have been made a requirement for all 6th-grade students but offered as electives for middle and high school students. Katims further affirmed the Board’s appreciation for and commitment to music and arts education within the District.
Below is President Katims response to a letter-to-the-editor titled, “Elimination of Music Education in Edmonds – From a Band Mom” in its entirety:
Dear Ms. Amador-Fortin,
On behalf of the Edmonds School Board, thank you for taking the time to express your concerns regarding the music program in our school district. I noticed that you did not include our district Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Miner, on your recipient list. I have cc’d her on this email so that she can also see your message and perhaps add more information regarding this issue.
Please understand that the band and orchestra program in our district has NOT been eliminated. In fact, at the 6th grade, we have now made band/orchestra a requirement for all 6th-grade students, rather than their taking general music which is required for all K-5 students. Our hope is that this requirement at 6th grade will engage more students who will want to take band and orchestra as they continue in middle and high school.
In middle and high school, students make choices as to what electives they want to take. If there are too few students who want to take a given course to warrant a full-time teacher assigned to that class, then that course will not be offered that year but will remain in the course syllabus for future years. Decisions about what courses will be offered each year are made at each school (not at the district level). School-level administrators make course decisions based on the staffing they have available and the courses of greatest interest to the students.
As we consider equity throughout the district, one must realize that if a priority were given to one particular elective at the secondary level for a small number of interested students, that in turn would impact class sizes in other areas of the district (e.g., 4th grade classes becoming much too large for effective teaching). Staffing assigned to each school needs to be used fairly to meet the needs of all our students across the district.
We share your appreciation for the value of music education as well as other performing and visual arts. We strive to provide a well-rounded educational program for all our students.
Thank you,
Nancy Katims, Ph.D., Edmonds School Board President, Director, District 5
COMMENTARY DISCLAIMER: The views and comments expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lynnwood Times nor any of its affiliate.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
