Every student enrolled will be participating ~Photo courtesy of City of Somerville

“We are aware some SPS families were notified today of pending cuts to Music and Theater Arts Department afterschool programming. We also are aware of a subsequent communication from the department reassuring families that no programmatic cuts have been made.

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Getting the Facts Straight on SPS Music and Performing Arts Programs:  
Every Student Enrolled Will Be Participating
The Budget Went Up, Not Down
The Issue was a Surprise Surge in Enrollment

Inaccurate information about the Somerville Public Schools (SPS) afterschool music and performing arts program spread quickly in the community, and we’d like to share the facts:

• This year’s budget increased funding for this program by 44%: In the budget passed in June, funding for afterschool music and performing arts was increased significantly – by 44%.

• Enrollment surged unexpectedly this fall: It’s a good problem to have. Despite the increased funding, the program had a budget gap due to a roughly 80% increase in the number of students who signed up this fall.

• There was never a decision to eliminate or reduce after-school music and theater arts programming: All planned programs and commitments have continued as scheduled.

• Every enrolled student has a spot: SPS has ensured that the funding gap due to increased enrollment in music programs will be met. Every student enrolled will get to participate. The staffing, funding, and resources needed to support these programs is in place.

Some Good News:  

• We have growing interest in school arts programs: From the All-City Middle Grades Musical to the Spring String Fling and the Highlander Theater Company, it’s exciting to see increased student participation in our SPS music and performing arts programs.

• We have a community that values our youth and the cultural arts: It’s inspiring that we heard from so many of you who thought there were cuts to this programming. Not every community has this commitment to youth enrichment or arts programming. We’re proud of Somerville.

• We are a learning organization: Our City and SPS leadership make a point to review and learn from all challenges, and we look for ways to continually improve. That’s how we serve you better. From this, we are clear that we will work to be ready with plans for surprise enrollment increases, and we will work to improve internal communication when problem solving is needed.

We look forward to witnessing the amazing talents of our performing arts students all throughout the year. Thank you for supporting these programs – and our kids.

-City of Somerville