Buckman Elementary is an Arts Focus school. The arts are not extras here — they are a core part of our school’s purpose, identity, and how our students learn and grow.

We understand that budget cuts are happening across the district. This petition is not about stopping those cuts. It is about making thoughtful, student-centered, arts focused, decisions with the staff positions we still have.

Right now, it’s being proposed that our Art, Music, and Library teachers hours will be cut, nearly in half - reducing the very programs that define Buckman’s identity and mission. It is also being proposed that a full-time Instructional Coach will coach teachers in Arts Integration in the classroom, instead of the Arts teachers doing it themselves. Learn more about the cuts.

We believe the staffing we do have should prioritize arts educators who work directly with students and sustain the arts programs that families choose Buckman.

We ask the Portland Public School Board to:

• Restore Visual Arts teacher time
• Restore Music teacher time
• Restore Library staff time

This would keep experienced arts educators with students, protect creative spaces where children feel seen and supported, preserve meaningful opportunities to perform and create, and ensure Buckman continues to live its Arts Focus mission.

Sign this petition to support student-facing Arts teachers at Buckman.

Check out this VIDEO ABOUT OUR SCHOOL <3

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