Petition Launched in Canada Against Funding Cuts to Music Education

Public schools in Regina are facing cuts that would reduce the student-teacher ratio in band classes to 200:1

Public schools in the Saskatchewan city of Regina are facing budget cuts that would lead to a reduction in the number of band teachers in elementary schools.

According to the Regina Leader-Post, a statement from the school division described the arts and band class as "important to our students and staff," but argued that the "elementary band program complements but is not integral to the Ministry’s education strategy."

In response, concerned parents have started a petition, urging Regina Public Schools not to go ahead with the funding cuts.

The petition notes that Regina's public schools have already been subject to staff reductions in this area, with the number of elementary band teachers being reduced by two full-time positions starting at the beginning of the 2022/23 school year — that is, an overall loss of more than 40% of their staff.

If the proposed cuts were to go ahead, the ratio of students to teachers in elementary band classes would be approximately 200 to 1.

You can read and sign the petition here.

"[The arts are] critical to a child’s development," said Samantha Becotte, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation. "When we’re looking at children’s brain development, it’s really important that they are developing in all different ways, not just the literacy and numeracy. It’s sad to see."

"Music is and always has been an integral part of a well rounded and high quality education," wrote the authors of the petition. "Not every child will participate in band, but every child deserves the opportunity to participate in band. We acknowledge that financial constraints will always result in difficult decisions, but this must be done in a way that does not negatively impact the quality of education that we offer our children."