Delaying Instrumental Music in SMMUSD: A Step Backward for Santa Monica Students

I am writing to bring your attention to a controversial new plan for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) music program, set for deployment in Fall 2026. Proposed by the new VAPA Coordinator, Jim Wang, this plan threatens to significantly delay instrumental music education and may circumvent the original intent of taxpayer-funded measures.

Proposed Change

Currently, SMMUSD students begin choosing between Choir, Band, or Orchestra in the 4th grade. Under the new proposal, instrumental music (Band and Orchestra) would be delayed until 5th grade, making 4th grade a mandatory "Choir only" year.

Key Concerns

Program Reductions: The plan reduces the elementary music team from 10 to 9 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions.

Misleading Expansion: The district claims the program is "expanding" to TK-2nd grade. However, this is seemingly being achieved by squeezing 20-minute once every two weeks sessions into existing teachers' schedules rather than hiring new staff.

Misuse of Funds: The elementary music team is funded by Measure R, a taxpayer-approved measure intended to protect these programs. Furthermore, the district is bypassing Proposition 28 funds, which are specifically designated to fund new arts positions.

Evasion of Transparency: This plan was shared with site principals before the music teachers were informed on April 20th. Board members reportedly knew nothing of the plan until contacted by concerned parents. Furthermore, the public process is being hindered because the VAPA Coordinator failed to provide the plan to the VAPA DAC in time for it to be attached to the official agenda for this Wednesday's meeting, preventing parents and committee members from reviewing it in advance.

Community Response

Public opposition is growing rapidly. I have attached a Change.org petition created by an elementary parent, which is currently circulating throughout the district and gaining significant traction from families.

Upcoming Public Meetings

The community has two immediate opportunities to hear this proposal (at VAPA DAC meeting) and demand accountability (at FOC meeting)

VAPA District Advisory Committee (VAPA DAC) Meeting

When: Wednesday, April 29th at 7:00 PM

Where: SMMUSD District Office Board Room

Note: The VAPA DAC is the Visual and Performing Arts District Advisory Committee, a group of parents, teachers, and community members tasked with advising the Board of Education on arts education policy.

Financial Oversight Committee (FOC) Meeting, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM. SMMUSD District Office Board Room. This committee reviews whether this plan complies with the legal requirements of Measure R funding.

Political Context

A Statement from Dr. Antonio Shelton on Proposed VAPA Curriculum Changes

Superintendent Shelton recently issued a letter (attached) regarding these changes. I am concerned that the administration is attempting to minimize public discourse ahead of a new tax proposal on the November ballot.

Best regards,

Lydia Muraro

https://www.change.org/p/preserve-santa-monica-music-education?recruiter=238113481&recruited_by_id=98b30170-ba47-11e4-8c9c-950b99f31891&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_promote_or_share&utm_term=petition_dashboard_share_modal&utm_medium=copylink&utm_content=cl_sharecopy_491201524_en-US%3A4&share_id=YNCtgq9Kvs