March 11, 2020

Dr. Jeff Wilson, Superintendent

superintendent@smusd.us 

San Marino Unified School District 

C. Joseph Chang, President 

Shelley Ryan, Vice President 

Corey Barberie, Clerk

Chris Norgaard, Member 

Lisa Link, Member 

San Marino Board of Education 

board@smusd.us 

1665 West Drive San Marino, CA 91108 

Dear Dr. Wilson and Members of the San Marino Board of Education: 

As parents, we feel it necessary to voice our unwavering support of Mr. Horikawa directly to you as the invested decision makers of our school district. Please consider our position on this matter as part of your standard review procedures. It is with great conviction, emotion and care for the musical education of our children and the future children of this great San Marino School District that we implore you to allow Mr. Horikawa to continue his teaching responsibilities at our high school.

The Music Department has thrived under his direction.  For the first time ever, SMHS Marching Band placed 5th at the Southern California Schools Band and Orchestra Association Championships in 2018.  Throughout the last Marching Band season, they’ve placed first at all but one competition. On 3/11/20, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra both placed Unanimous Superior in Performance at the SCSBOA Bonita Center for the Arts B&O Festival.

More important than the accolades that the Music Department has been able to achieve is the positive influence Mr. Horikawa has been on each student, shaping their high school career and future success. It is intangible and not quantifiable by metrics or lists. It is by far the most valuable asset we cannot afford to lose. When you get to see the light of passion and enthusiasm in your child’s eyes, and know that it is put there in no small part by the best music director we’ve ever had, it would be such a shame to let such a resource slip away.

We ask you to listen to the voices of our children, who would be severely impacted by the loss of such a wonderful and devoted teacher.  We have gone through three music directors in the past 4 years. We finally found a director who is passionate, caring, and dedicated. Mr. Horikawa not only inspires but truly cares for the success and well-being of his students. He is always giving so much of his time beyond the regular school hours. San Marino High School Music department will be forever changed in the most detrimental way by the loss of Christopher Horikawa. We trust that the district will find a way for Mr. Horikawa to remain in our San Marino High School.

Sincerely and respectfully,

The parents of former and current students, forever changed for good, by Mr. Christopher Horikawa