Arts Alliance opposes change in learning center funding

By Marilyn Cristofori
CEO, Hawaii Arts Alliance

The State Department of Education proposes to move funding for the nine Performing Arts Learning Centers into the Weighted Student Formula. If funds are placed in the WSF, they are equally dispersed amongst all schools and nothing is earmarked for any special program.

It would be up to each principal to designate the funds out of the school's general funds after No Child Left Behind costs, mandated testing costs, restructuring and a host of other things. Many, if not most programs will be forced to close.

 PALCs work. At Castle High, the 318 CPAC students from 12 schools have higher GPA's (2.667 v. 2.267) and higher HSA scores in both reading (81 percent meet or exceed v. 61 percent for the entire school) and math (49 percent meet or exceed v. 26 percent).  At Nanakuli High, about 90 percent of CPAC students, many of whom are considered "high-risk," graduate, compared to about 60 percent for Nanakuli High on average. Of NPAC seniors who graduated in the last three years, 87 percent are registered or enrolled in college.

The discussion to place the funding for the Learning Center programs into the Weighted Student Formula is happening today.  If you have a couple minutes, you can let them know you are against this online now by clicking here.  It is program number 16770.  Please let the board know these programs are important and to review at future meetings. 

The DOE continues to suffer budget strains and the arts are often first to leave the classroom. The performing arts learning centers represent an important educational tool. These centers also build life skills and confidence and demonstrate the wider breadth of career possibilities to youth who need to be creative thinkers for the future and wellbeing of our community.

For more information, contact the Hawaii Arts Alliance, (808) 533-2787 or arts@hawaiiartsalliance.org.