[Dhsbb-jazz] Fwd: Davis JUSD LCAP Survey, a chance for parents to weigh in

[tslabaugh at djusd.net]

Hi all,

Below is a message from Hiram Jackson, a dedicated music supporter in our community. Many of you may not know, but the process for allocating school funding has changed and the new method is titled LCAP. What this means is that the community has some significant input in how funding for school programs I determined.

In October of 2014, the music teachers presented a proposal to add elementary music instruction for all schools to the board of trustees. Currently, the djusd offers string instrument instruction beginning in the 4th grade and band instrument instruction beginning in the 5th grade. No elementary choral music is offered, nor is any general music instruction by the district. Some elementary school sites offer various limited music instruction, based upon fundraising by PTA's at school sites with active support. The failure of the djusd to offer music instruction is in violation of the state education code, a law that has no enforcement mechanism to insure compliance.

The board in 2014 was very enthusiastic about this proposal. However, based upon a request from the Superintendent and a board member, the proposal was tabled at that time because, in part, a majority of the school board was to be new members. Since this time, the proposal has not been reviewed and has been largely ignored. In the meeting last week, I formally requested the board of trustees reopen this proposal and pass it so that students could have the opportunity to begin music instruction at a young age, regardless of which school they attend. The issue of equal access to instruction is an important aspect to consider in this request.

I am asking for your help. Would you all please do the following to help us provide equal access to music instruction.
1. Read Hiram's message (below) and participate in the survey.
2. Contact the board of trustees and inform them you support equal access for all students to music instruction, especially in the elementary grades. You may find their contact information by following this link: http://djusd-ca.schoolloop.com/boecontact

My sincere thanks for your help in providing music to all Davis kids!

Mr. Slabaugh

Begin forwarded message:

From: hsjackson at aol.com<mailto:hsjackson at aol.com>
Date: February 20, 2016 at 10:08:46 PM PST
To: HSJackson at aol.com<mailto:HSJackson at aol.com>
Subject: Davis JUSD LCAP Survey, a chance for parents to weigh in

Greetings:

I have spoken to you at some point recently about the possibility of an expanded elementary music program, one that includes general music education and pullout choir.

One way that you can make your views known about arts education is by filling out the LCAP survey.  LCAP stands for "Local Control Accountability Plan".  It is supposed to be a process for gathering public input.

They really don't ask any direct questions about music or arts, but you can make your views known in comments sections along the way, particularly in questions 13, 14, 15, and 18.

Here's the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/lcap1516davis

Regards,
Hiram




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