A petition has been started to save Grade 7 band class in the Surrey school district.
In one of many recent decisions made by Surrey trustees to cut costs, elementary band class will be ending, but the community is not backing down without a fight.
A , two days after the announcement from superintendent Mark Pearmain, has garnered nearly 3,000 signatures as of Wednesday morning (March 5).
"Education in the arts brings benefits far beyond learning an instrument; it fosters creativity, enhances cognitive development, and improves overall academic performance. We need to preserve this enriching outlet for students and uphold our reputation as a community that values music," reads the petition.
Band class is being impacted as it is not in the B.C. education curriculum and is therefore not funded fully. Pearmain also stated that the district is moving towards aligning with other school districts in the province.
As Surrey Schools faces a $16-million shortfall for next year, and trustees have said the cut to band class is just one of several on the table. Other cuts have seen the 鈥� Guildford, City Central and South Surrey White Rock 鈥� and will also see more , a program for children age 0 to 4 to gain a sense of the education system before officially entering it.
to students who previously received it, with busing now only serving children who are deemed the most in need
The petition also calls on the district to keep the position of the fine arts helping teacher, which is also being cut. All non-enrolling teachers, or helping teachers, will be placed back in classrooms to combat the district's teacher shortage.
"The potential long-term loss for our students and community far outweighs any short-term financial gains. Please sign this petition and stand up for music education in Surrey schools," it concludes.
