Restoration of 4th grade instrumental music for 2015-2016

Prior to 2009, a pullout instrumental music program was offered for 4th and 5th grades in all elementary schools. Due to budget cuts, the 4th grade program was eliminated by MDUSD Board action on March 3, 2009. This resulted in the reduction of 6.4 FTE's beginning in the 2009-2010 school year. On June 2, 2009, the Board took further action and eliminated the program at 5th grade. This action reduced 7.3 FTE’s for the 2010-2011 school year.
In May 2014, the Board took action and approved the restoration of the 5th grade music program, by funding 6.0 FTE Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher positions. Based on the assumption of comparable enrollment and participation rates in Elementary instrumental music, restoration of the 4th grade program would require adding back 6.0 FTE’s.
The restoration 5th grade program has resulted in the following:
  • 1,287 5th graders participating in the instrumental music program. This represents 50% of the district-wide 5th grade enrollment. Additional program data can be found here:
  • Increased community support for music education. This includes instrument donations from Mount Diablo Music Education Fund, Assistance League of the Diablo Valley, and donations from other community members. It also includes increased media coverage and recognition of student musicians.
  • Support of MDUSD’s LCAP goals of: Access to Courses, Parent Involvement, and Student Engagement.
  • Increased enrollment in Middle School band and orchestra courses for 2015-2106.
The cost of staffing the 4th grade program is comparable to the staffing cost of the 5th grade program; however additional music instruments must be purchased for student use. Therefore, the overall cost of the 4th grade program will be slightly higher. As a result, it is recommended the 4th grade program begin to be restored by approving 3 FTE’s, the purchasing of music instruments and suppliesfor the 2015-2016 school year. In addition, it is recommended that the program be fully staffed in the 2016-2017 school year by approving an additional 3 FTE’s.
The restoration of the 4th grade instrumental music program supports the State’s renewed commitment to arts education. An arts education task force was formed by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. The focus of the task force called for arts education to be elevated to a core subject and be available to all students so it can retain its vital role in developing creative expression and critical thinking skills in preparation for 21st century careers. The Task Force made a series of policy recommendations to enhance arts education. The resulting document is divided into sections that address key themes and critical issues: (
  • Supporting the Arts Curriculum.
  • Enhancing Educator Quality, Preparation, and Professional Learning in the Arts.
  • Producing High-Quality Arts Assessment, Research, and Evidence.
  • Ensuring Equity and Access.
  • Strengthening Collaborative Relationships.
  • Expanding the Role of Business and Industry in the Creative Workforce.
  • Providing Funding for the Arts.
Restoring the 4th grade program would support Arts Curriculum, Ensure Equity and Access, and would Strengthen Collaborative Relationships.
Unrestricted General Fund
$392,118 to the unrestricted general fund
Restore the elementary instrumental music program at the 4th grade level:
0390 / Elem Instrumental Music (4th grade)
Total: / $392,118.00
Cost / Description
$235,368 / 3 teachers ($78,456 = 1.0 FTE , Class 2, Step 4 MDEA)
$5,250 / materials & supplies ($15x 350 students) + music stands
$140,000 / new instruments ($400 per instrument x 350 students)
$10,000 / instrument repair
$1,500 / mileage

5/15/20151