Stop Cuts to Secondary Music Education in Camas

The Issue

Music education is essential and not optional for kids. Numerous studies have shown that students involved in music perform better academically, develop stronger social and emotional skills, and are more likely to stay engaged in school. Research consistently shows that students engaged in music perform better in math and reading, show increased school engagement, and develop critical life skills such as discipline, collaboration, and confidence.

However, the Camas School District is considering making cuts to music education teachers at the secondary level. This is a devastating proposition that not only threatens the future of music education but also limits opportunities for our children to thrive and succeed in multiple areas of their lives. The importance of music education cannot be overstated, as it cultivates essential skills that are necessary in today's world.

Eliminating or reducing music teacher positions directly impacts students' ability to explore their talents, express themselves creatively, and build a passion that can last a lifetime. Taking away this invaluable resource undermines the holistic approach to education that considers the whole child—not just traditional academics.

Let's urge the Camas School District to reevaluate their decision. It's crucial to maintain a full and vibrant music education program for our students' overall development and well-being. Sign this petition to show your support for keeping music education intact in our schools, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the enriching and transformative experience that only music can provide.

1,499

The Issue

Music education is essential and not optional for kids. Numerous studies have shown that students involved in music perform better academically, develop stronger social and emotional skills, and are more likely to stay engaged in school. Research consistently shows that students engaged in music perform better in math and reading, show increased school engagement, and develop critical life skills such as discipline, collaboration, and confidence.

However, the Camas School District is considering making cuts to music education teachers at the secondary level. This is a devastating proposition that not only threatens the future of music education but also limits opportunities for our children to thrive and succeed in multiple areas of their lives. The importance of music education cannot be overstated, as it cultivates essential skills that are necessary in today's world.

Eliminating or reducing music teacher positions directly impacts students' ability to explore their talents, express themselves creatively, and build a passion that can last a lifetime. Taking away this invaluable resource undermines the holistic approach to education that considers the whole child—not just traditional academics.

Let's urge the Camas School District to reevaluate their decision. It's crucial to maintain a full and vibrant music education program for our students' overall development and well-being. Sign this petition to show your support for keeping music education intact in our schools, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the enriching and transformative experience that only music can provide.

The Decision Makers

Camas District 117 School Board
4 Members
1 Responded
Tracey Malone
Camas District 117 School Board - District 5
On behalf of the board, I want to acknowledge your passion and advocacy for music and the arts in our district. Music has touched all of our lives in meaningful ways, and we deeply value the positive impact it has on students and school communities. Since the fall, the district has outlined a multi-phased plan to balance our budget, which reflected a significant deficit requiring us to reduce spending by 10–12%—a substantial cut from our $140 million budget. The budget reductions our district is facing are truly heartbreaking—they represent the largest cuts in our history. While the current Reduction in Force (RIF) process may not feel ideal, the district is contractually required to follow this process as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the district and the Camas Education Association. This is the same process the district has followed for all subjects and grades which includes more than 30 full-time certificated staff positions that have already been reduced. These are all incredibly hard decisions to make and have been made with thoughtfulness and great care for our students, staff, and community. For more information on the current budget challenges and the reduction process, I encourage you to visit our district website: Our 2025-26 Budget Realignment | Camas School District: https://www.camas.wednet.edu/page/budgetrealignment We also invite you to attend our Budget Q&A session on Wednesday, May 21st, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the CHS North Commons. It will be a great opportunity to ask questions and hear more about the work being done to navigate these difficult circumstances. More information can be found here: https://www.camas.wednet.edu/events?id=40955799 If you are interested in becoming more involved, I encourage you to consider joining one of our district advocacy committees, such as the Superintendent’s Budget Committee or the Legislative Advocacy Committee (LAC). These groups are made up of parents, community members, students, staff and board members who are actively working to address the root causes of our financial challenges and advocate for solutions at the state level. Thank you again for your continued engagement and support. Tracey Malone, Board President Submitted on behalf of the Board
Connie Hennessey
Camas District 117 School Board - District 3
Bamini Pathmanathan
Camas District 117 School Board - District 4
Matthew McBride
Matthew McBride
Camas District 117 School Board - District 2

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Petition created on May 14, 2025