Dear EWHS Music families and supporters,
By now you may have heard that the Edmonds School District has to cut $15M from its budget. These changes are threatening vital arts programs throughout our school district. On the chopping block at Edmonds-Woodway HS are a beloved choir and a celebrated orchestra. Our other high schools are also set to lose 2-3 music classes each. Our students are paying the price when money could be saved in other ways.
We have to act now to save these music programs or they may never return.
The arts provide an inclusive refuge for students from all backgrounds. Many students report that music was their only motivation to persevere through the pandemic when teen mental health declined sharply across all population groups. Others would have dropped out of education entirely if not for their music.
Music education itself is well researched and offers measurable improvements to brain development, dexterity, social skills, and personal discipline. Never have these benefits been more important as our children continue their emotional, social and academic recovery.
There is power in speaking up. We must stand together and make ourselves heard. The Arts are not disposable!
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Attend School Board Meetings in Person
Attend Special School Board meeting on Tuesday, April 18th, at 6:30 pm PST at the District Office. At this meeting the School Board will hear the first reading of the “reduced education plan” for next year.
**Be sure to arrive before 6pm if you want to sign up to speak in person.
**Click here to submit a comment online or speak virtually before 3:00 pm PST on 4/18.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 @ 6:30pm (before 6pm if speaking)
Boardroom of the Educational Services Center (Subject to change)
20420 68th Ave West, Lynnwood, WA 98036
Wear red or your school colors, bring an instrument, and make signs! Even better, attend AND sign up to make public comments. Share with the Board and Superintendent the importance of Edmonds Woodway Music and how it meets the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Share your personal stories.
SAVE THE DATE! April 25 is when the School Board will meet to vote on the budget. While we are not sure our specific action at this meeting, save the date. We will share more information as we learn more.
Advocate
Email the Edmonds School District Board and Superintendent to show your support for Edmonds Woodway High School Music, the impact music has had on your life, and that the budget cuts proposed are unacceptable. Encourage the Board to look more closely at district administrative positions and departments for savings. Keep cuts away from our classrooms.
- Edmonds School District Board
- Nancy Katims: KatimsN@edmonds.wednet.edu
- Gary Noble: Nobleg@edmonds.wednet.edu
- Carin Chase: ChaseCa@edmonds.wednet.edu
- Keith Smith: SmithK382@edmonds.wednet.edu
- Deborah Kilgore: KilgoreD952@edmonds.wednet.edu
- Edmonds School District Superintendent
- Rebecca Miner: MinerR@edmonds.wednet.edu
Write a letter to the editor at MLTNews.com, My Edmonds News, and Lynnwood Today. Contact Teresa Wippel, teresa@myedmondsnews.com, with your letter of support for music.
Advocate with the Edmonds Woodway Principal. Once the district budget is set, Principal Allison Larsen (larsena@edmonds.wednet.edu) will make all official decisions on behalf of Edmonds Woodway HS. Communicate positively what the program means to you and the impact it has had on your life. Be kind but passionate.
Advocate with your state representatives. The district has a $15M shortfall because Washington State has education requirements that it is not funding. To fulfill these legal requirements the district has to spend levy money originally earmarked for other programs. Washington State needs to fully fund basic education. Find your legislators here.
Follow EWHS Music Boosters on Social Media
The Boosters will continue to post updates to Facebook (Edmonds-Woodway Music) and Instagram (@ewhs_music). We are already hearing rumors that the school board meeting location may change to accommodate a larger crowd and we will keep you in the loop.