Dear Superintendent Dr. Carstarphen and Atlanta Public Schools Board Members,

Music education is not a choice – it is essential. Atlanta Public Schools’ proposed budget forces principals and communities to choose between programs, which puts music education programs at risk.

We ask that as the budget is finalized, music education, including band, chorus, and orchestra programs are preserved, not cut or made a choice. We understand that flexibility is the goal of the proposed budget but what that really means is music education programs are not protected as part of the Atlanta Public Schools’ budget or curriculum.

Principals and parents should not have to choose between early intervention programs or music education. Furthermore, they should not have to choose between enrichment programs, such as Spanish versus music education. That is an unfair burden to place on schools.

Music education, including band, chorus, and orchestra programs must be an integral part of the Atlanta Public Schools’ budget and curriculum, at every school. There can be no flexibility on this issue.

Protect music education in the upcoming budget!

Sincerely,

APS Music Education Supporters