Editor:
I have worked in the Piedmont High School Music Department for 14 years. Every day I interact with students who benefit from our comprehensive arts program. Children who are exposed to the arts gain focus, discipline, and an appreciation for the beauty of the world!
My two children attended Piedmont schools. My son, David, an experienced violinist, recently graduated from Swarthmore College, and my daughter, Lisa graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Music followed by a law degree from USF Law School. The Arts education they received in the Piedmont schools had a direct impact on their acceptance at all 3 colleges andtheir love and appreciation for music is a gift they can enjoy for the rest of their lives!
Once ranked first in the nation for its financial investment in public education, California has fallen to 47th in the nation in per pupil spending. As a result, many school districts have severely curtailed funding for the arts. Piedmonters' 27 years of support for the school support tax has allowed the PUSD to maintain funding for music, visual and performing arts programs at a level that sets us apart from many, many other districts.
I call upon all Piedmont voters to continue Piedmont's rich history of support for a comprehensive Arts education for all Piedmont students.
Vote YES on Measure A on March 5.
Jan D'Annunzio
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