R.-1 21-1646 Public Hearing by the Board of Education on the proposed District's 2021-2022 School Year - Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) in the projected amount of $232,947,936 in LCAP Funds and $77,421,774 in Projected Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Supplemental & Concentration Allocation Funds.
The current proposal does not address the usual inequities around VAPA. In nearly 20 years of OUSD, I have seen firsthand how inequities happen. My own children, both products of wealthy OUSD elementary schools, received instrumental music instruction from 4th through the 12th grade. At the same time, my own high needs POC school where I work currently does not offer the same VAPA instruction. The inequity between the two sets of schools couldn't be more glaringly obvious. Those kids who need it the most always seem to get the least enrichment. If it isn't tested, OUSD doesn't invest in it, and that's certainly true of VAPA. Ironically, research shows that investment in VAPA results in improved outcomes in behavior, academics, and socialization. Post-pandemic, it is now more important than ever that our kids receive all the benefits and joy that a robust VAPA program can give them. Our kids don't need more testing. Give them what they really need instead, an equitable VAPA program.
The Visual and Performing Arts need additional financial support to bolster the healing, interaction and growth our children need after the pandemic. In the best of times, VAPA teachers provide their students an essential experience. Some kids find their "people," others find a joyful segment to their day, or discover that they are capable and creative. As a father I've volunteered through the PTO to support the music program. I've been impressed by the quality and character of the teachers, and the appreciation and affection the students feel for them. It is a different relationship that kid's have with a band teacher then a math teacher. This last year was damaging for all of us, but our school music programs have suffered. The quarter system was counterproductive for the music program. It takes years to gain momentum and build a good music program; This last year was a setback. The VAPA programs need financial commitment to recover and deliver the experience our kids need and want.
The proposed report supplies a continuation of the status quo for VAPA, which is not equitable, it is sparsely supported, relies heavily on parental support and privilege and raising money through performances to sustain itself at each school (no performances were performed this past year, hence there are no funds or very little), and is not in line with the requirements of the ed code.
The LCAP document shows that OUSD is not willing to use the funds they will receive from the state and the DOE to expand and support one the most proven methodologies to diminish educational gaps, improve achievements and graduations, as well as improving college attendance rates, integration of students with special needs and foreign and displaced students and, the proven social emotional benefits of providing a vibrant and well supported visual and performing arts program that provide the outlet that students need now more than ever.
The current proposal does not address the usual inequities around VAPA. In nearly 20 years of OUSD, I have seen firsthand how inequities happen. My own children, both products of wealthy OUSD elementary schools, received instrumental music instruction from 4th through the 12th grade. At the same time, my own high needs POC school where I work currently does not offer the same VAPA instruction. The inequity between the two sets of schools couldn't be more glaringly obvious. Those kids who need it the most always seem to get the least enrichment. If it isn't tested, OUSD doesn't invest in it, and that's certainly true of VAPA. Ironically, research shows that investment in VAPA results in improved outcomes in behavior, academics, and socialization. Post-pandemic, it is now more important than ever that our kids receive all the benefits and joy that a robust VAPA program can give them. Our kids don't need more testing. Give them what they really need instead, an equitable VAPA program.
The Visual and Performing Arts need additional financial support to bolster the healing, interaction and growth our children need after the pandemic. In the best of times, VAPA teachers provide their students an essential experience. Some kids find their "people," others find a joyful segment to their day, or discover that they are capable and creative. As a father I've volunteered through the PTO to support the music program. I've been impressed by the quality and character of the teachers, and the appreciation and affection the students feel for them. It is a different relationship that kid's have with a band teacher then a math teacher. This last year was damaging for all of us, but our school music programs have suffered. The quarter system was counterproductive for the music program. It takes years to gain momentum and build a good music program; This last year was a setback. The VAPA programs need financial commitment to recover and deliver the experience our kids need and want.
The proposed report supplies a continuation of the status quo for VAPA, which is not equitable, it is sparsely supported, relies heavily on parental support and privilege and raising money through performances to sustain itself at each school (no performances were performed this past year, hence there are no funds or very little), and is not in line with the requirements of the ed code.
The LCAP document shows that OUSD is not willing to use the funds they will receive from the state and the DOE to expand and support one the most proven methodologies to diminish educational gaps, improve achievements and graduations, as well as improving college attendance rates, integration of students with special needs and foreign and displaced students and, the proven social emotional benefits of providing a vibrant and well supported visual and performing arts program that provide the outlet that students need now more than ever.