I am deeply concerned about the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s mishandling of state funding intended for arts education. Proposition 28, overwhelmingly supported by California voters, was meant to enhance arts programs, ensuring access to quality education in music and the arts for all students. However, despite this mandate, CVESD has left significant Prop 28 funds unused, undermining the growth and sustainability of its award-winning Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) program.
Listening to the concerns raised during the Sept. 11 Board of Education meeting deeply troubled me. Three visual and performing arts teachers voiced their frustrations over the district’s failure to hire a VAPA Coordinator since Marc Keehmer departed the role in May. In addition, $13 million from the Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant was diverted to teacher retirements and other expenses instead of supporting the growth of VAPA programs or professional development for arts teachers. Music educators are even forced to pay out of pocket for training that the district once fully funded.
Previous school boards have risen to the defense of VAPA in CVESD. Where does this Board stand? The current neglect of the arts is alarming, especially given the vital role arts education plays in student development and our community’s future.
Lauren Shelton, former CVESD VAPA Coordinator, resides in Chula Vista.
