As a successful artist, I have seen this topic as something which reoccurs with annoying regularity, much like the common cold.

 

There IS NO substitute for arts education.  It allows students to express their individuality in an environment which is supportive and non-violent.  It nurtures creativity, complex problem solving, math, science, language skills, interpersonal development, and extrapersonal relationships, just to name a few. 

 

There is also a body of impressive research into arts education and the figures and conclusions are impressive, i.e. Howard Gardener's 1979 Harvard study into multiple intelligences.

 

However facts and figures have not convinced me.  It is facts like the Columbine HS killers did not participate in the arts.  Neither has ANY young shooter at any school for that matter.  These students had nothing that made them special or channelled their energies in a way that was productive to society. 

 

We pay for our lack of attention to the complete development of our children.... and pay... and pay!  Drugs, violence, alcohol, sex, prison, smoking - these are all burdens placed upon the taxpayer because students didn't learn to respect themselves and others.  Lack of esteem is the root cause of many of these issues. 

 

It takes all of us, as a community working together, to bring each child successfully into adulthood.  When the schools fail to provide opportunities to children, the community fails also.  Parents don't have endless funds to fill in the gap and many parents might not realize the importance of a broadbased education.  But you do.

 

I encourage you to do the right thing and continue to support the arts education program in the Seattle Public Schools.

 

Thank you for your time.

 

Dr. Nancy Bondurant, DMA