> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# The budget crisis and its impact on arts education
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/the-budget-crisis-and-its-impact-on-arts-education/
- Published: 2003-05-14T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T00:03:10.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Malibu, #archive-import

*Guest Commentary*

*By Tom Whaley*

As the fine arts coordinator for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unifed School District, I have been trying to deal with the reality of the current fiscal crisis facing our nation, our state and our city.

I have wanted to DO SOMETHING to help ensure that our district will remain strong and effective in its mission of providing a quality, well-rounded education for ALL students. I have hesitated to write or speak publicly about my perspective because it may appear to some that I am worried about MY position, which has been cut in addition to the elementary music program, music aides and accompanists. This is an attempt to share my impression of the current financial crisis with the general public from the inside.

School districts across the state are facing HUGE cuts in programs, teachers, classified personnel, etc. For example, in the Burbank school system, a school district nearly identical in size to SMMUSD, they are expecting to cut approximately 200 certificated and classified employees to fill the gap created by the state’s fiscal nightmare. How do school districts recover from such gigantic losses? They probably won’t. In Santa Monica-Malibu, we have an opportunity to save our situation and the future of our kids’ education through the passage of the “Save Our Schools” funding initiative on June 3\. Last night, I found myself pondering the question, “What are the most important programs or services needed in any given city?”

Obviously safety and health came to mind as priorities, but education seems to be the next most important issue for a community. It ensures a more positive future for its younger generation, improves the value of all its real estate and brings the community together in its rituals and customs in a way that transcends religious and cultural differences.

When I came to work for the SMMUSD in September 2001, I knew I would be working for a distinguished school district with a great reputation. When I travel to arts conferences throughout the state each year (funded by grants), I find that our district usually sets the standard which other districts strive to achieve. Our fine arts teachers and programs have been recognized in every possible way for their excellence and achievement. After seeing what other districts have to offer, I’ve decided that there is not another district in the state for which I’d rather work. We are so fortunate to have such talented teachers in our district. Like most teachers, the fine arts teachers (dance, theatre, music and visual arts) in the SMMUSD give so much time, effort, dedication and love to their students. These programs motivate students to come to school, teach where we came from, where we’re going and where we are now. They teach principles such as teamwork, motivation, working towards a goal, cultural awareness, historical context and personal responsibility. One of the duties of my job is to acquire grant funding to support the fine arts programs in our district. Last year, I secured $140,000 in funding for instructional materials, equipment, musical instruments, and staff development. This year, I’ve applied for $400,000 in grants to support the music, art, and drama programs. Our district is so very lucky to have high quality arts instruction, with a strong elementary music program as well as partnerships with local arts organizations that bring artists in to work with classroom teachers. We can never measure the powerful effect arts education has on our students.

On a daily basis I see students working with excellent aides, accompanists, and music, art, and drama teachers who will NOT be here next year if the “Save Our Schools” funding initiative does not pass on June 3\. It is very difficult to bring an instructional program back once it’s gone. How will we feel when the chairs of the honor orchestra at “Stairway of the Stars” next year will be EMPTY? Can we imagine students not experiencing the fine arts in our classrooms as they do NOW? There is so much MORE to do in order to provide more learning opportunities for ALL our students. PLEASE, vote on June 3\. That day will determine what will happen to OUR schools and in OUR city. If I can answer any questions regarding fine arts programming in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, please don’t hesitate to call me at (310) 450-8338, ext. 287 or e-mail (Tom Whaley is the fine arts coordina-tor for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 14, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/051403.pdf?ref=smdp.com)