We Need Advocates for Arts Education in Our Schools!
As many of you know, our school district is facing significant financial challenges. When budgets become tight, programs like music, theatre, visual arts, and other enrichment opportunities often have to compete for limited resources. Now more than ever, it is important that families and community members speak up about the value of arts education and the positive impact these programs have on our students, our schools, and our community.
Join Booker T.'s School Advisory Council (SAC)
One of the most meaningful ways to support arts education in our school is by serving on the Booker T. Washington High School School Advisory Council (SAC). We would love to see parents and supporters from all of our arts programs represented this year.
What is the School Advisory Council?
The School Advisory Council (SAC) is made up of parents, teachers, administrators, staff, students, and community members who provide input on important issues affecting our school. Membership is designed to reflect the diversity of our school community, and members meet at least four times each year at 11:30 a.m. in the school library.
If you are interested in serving, please complete the online nomination form by September 30, 2026.
Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRy5B5fFR1JXp0Gm_sN0mHV26GgOskr7kjnQwhaAA8KlEF5A/viewform
Why is Representation Important?
To borrow a line from Hamilton, we want our families “in the room where it happens.”
As our school discusses priorities and plans for the future, it is important that decision-makers hear from families and community members who believe the arts matter. Our band program isn’t alone in this effort—our choir, orchestra, theatre, and visual arts programs all benefit when families are engaged, informed, and represented.
We hope every arts program will have advocates participating in the School Advisory Council. Representation isn’t about asking for special treatment; it’s about ensuring that the many benefits of arts education are part of the conversation whenever decisions are made.
Learn More About Arts and Music Advocacy
If you’d like to learn more about the research supporting arts and music education, these organizations provide excellent information and advocacy resources:
Florida Music Education Association: https://fmea.org/advocacy/ask-questions/
National Association for Music Education: https://nafme.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource-center/
NAMM Foundation: https://www.nammfoundation.org/why-music-matters
Arts Education Partnership: https://www.ecs.org/wp-content/uploads/Music-Matters-1.pdf
Yale School of Music’s Declaration on Equity in Music for City Youth (where one of our own Booker T. band alumni is currently enrolled!): https://www.declaration.yale.edu/explore
Save The Music Foundation: https://www.savethemusic.org/category/resources/advocacy-tools/
Your Voice Matters
The arts have always been an important part of the Booker T. experience. They inspire creativity, build confidence, teach collaboration and discipline, and create lifelong memories and friendships. They also help students find a place where they belong.
Whether you’re a current parent, an alumnus, a community member, or simply someone who believes every student deserves access to a high-quality arts education, your voice matters.
Advocacy can take many forms. It might mean serving on the School Advisory Council, attending performances, volunteering your time, sharing your family’s story, or simply speaking positively about the value of arts education within our community. Every conversation helps people better understand the lasting impact these programs have on our students.
The future of arts education at Booker T. Washington High School will be shaped by the people who show up, stay informed, and speak up. Together, we can help ensure that band, choir, orchestra, theatre, visual arts, and every arts program continue to provide life-changing opportunities for generations of Wildcats to come.