Art Education Flourishes in Pajaro Valley Schools, Gaining National Recognition
Art education has a long history in public school curricula dating back to 1821 when architectural design was in high demand during the Industrial Revolution. Despite facing budget cuts over the years, this educational form continues to thrive in various districts, including the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) in Watsonville. The district has been successful in re-establishing visual and performing arts at all levels of education, gaining national recognition as a Top Community for Music Education for two consecutive years.
In an upcoming school board meeting, Kasey Klappenback, the assistant superintendent of elementary education, and Lisa Aguerria, the assistant superintendent of secondary education, will provide an update on the state of visual and performing arts at the elementary school level in PVUSD. Over the past seven years, the district has made significant progress in integrating arts education into its schools. One notable achievement is the partnership with the Save the Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening music programs in schools.
This fruitful collaboration started in 2019 with the ambitious goal of providing 45 minutes of weekly music instruction to transitional kindergartners through fifth graders across all 16 elementary schools in the district. Remarkably, this goal was achieved within just five years of the partnership. To ensure financial sustainability, certified music instructors administer the program within the time allocated in the collective bargaining agreement for teacher release. Last year, six out of seven elementary teachers provided release time to all students, and in the upcoming academic year, all students will receive music instruction. Additionally, kindergartners through second graders will receive art instruction at all sites except one, while third through sixth graders will receive science instruction.
PVUSD is actively working with state educational leaders to explore the use of Proposition 28 funding to support current and future art programs. The distribution of funds may vary by site based on the number of students, allowing each school to determine which program or programs they will offer. This decision-making process involves collaboration between school administrators, teachers, families, and students, ensuring that the choice best serves the local school community. Schools can also foster sharing among teachers, instructional assistants, and community arts partners, enabling a broader reach and impact. One suggestion is for teachers to provide instruction at one school on Mondays and Tuesdays, and another school on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Apart from discussing the state of art education, the school board meeting will also address other matters, including the installation of fencing and ramp and stair replacement projects at Cesar Chavez Middle School and Rio Del Mar Elementary School, respectively. Furthermore, the planning and timeline for the search of a new permanent superintendent will be a point of discussion.
The school board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the district office boardroom in Watsonville. Prior to the regular meeting, a closed session will take place at 6 p.m. where specific matters will be addressed.
PVUSD’s commitment to reviving art education in its schools and its partnership with the Save the Music Foundation exemplify the district’s dedication to providing students with a well-rounded education that includes visual and performing arts. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches to funding, PVUSD has become a shining example of how art education can thrive and flourish in today’s educational landscape. With ongoing support and recognition, the district’s art programs are poised to continue making a positive impact on students’ lives, nurturing their creativity, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
