By Tom Whaley, fine arts coordinator and Dr. John Deasy, Superintendent Santa Monica-Malibu School District
After reading the recent article in the Santa Monica Daily Press (SMDP, Jan. 4, page 1) concerning the generous contribution of $25,000 from the Santa Monica City Council to help the Santa Monica High School choir travel to Hawaii, it appears that the article actually implied that the city doesn’t give enough financial support to arts programs in our public schools. We wanted to point out that if it weren’t for the strong support from the city of Santa Monica — $6 million annually — and the people of Santa Monica and Malibu — Measure S — we would no longer have an elementary instrumental music program, accompanists for our choral programs, instructional assistants for music and the fine arts coordinator position. This city is a very special place in that the arts are considered so special and important to the educational process and we continue to improve what we have each year, despite enormous budget shortfalls at the state level through grants, endowments, fundraisers, etc. In regard to the Samohi choir trip to Hawaii, the district general fund cannot be responsible for funding any large field trips of this type due to all the other needs the district faces on a daily basis and we know the choir is extremely grateful for the help they have received from the city. Every time a performing group from our great school district performs anywhere, they always represent our community in the best possible way, through their excellence and professionalism. These young people will be making the decisions very soon as future leaders and I’m sure they will not forget the community that helped them get where they wanted to go.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 10, 2005. Read the original PDF.