In a significant decision that reflects the community’s strong support for arts education, the Peoria Unified School District’s governing board has decided to maintain its funding for memberships in various arts associations. This move comes after considerable public debate and a recommendation from district leadership, emphasizing the importance of these memberships for educational opportunities.
These memberships, which include affiliations with music, dance, and theatre groups, are vital for providing both students and teachers with opportunities for growth. They offer students the chance to compete, perform, and gain structured feedback, as well as access potential scholarships and college recognition.
Initially, there was consideration to cut ties with organizations such as the Educational Theatre Association due to concerns over language and policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The board expressed worries about potential risks to federal funding under the Trump administration’s stance against DEI policies.
Superintendent KC Somers addressed these concerns in an August board meeting, citing discussions with Arizona’s Department of Education. The consensus was to recommend the continuation of these memberships. “So that Peoria students and teachers continue to have access to high quality resources, adjudication standards and competitive opportunities, along with professional learning opportunities for performing arts teachers,” Somers stated.
Prior to the board meeting, a petition titled “Protect Arts Opportunities in Peoria Schools” had garnered over 3,000 signatures, demonstrating widespread community support. During the meeting, over 60 individuals, including students, voiced their opposition to the potential defunding.
Among those advocating for the arts, Carolyn Mortensen, a member of her school’s drama club, highlighted the voluntary and non-political nature of these programs. “Participation is voluntary and non-political. Students choose to join. These programs are about skills, teamwork and excellence not ideology,” Mortensen explained, adding that discontinuing memberships would disproportionately affect arts students.
Nevertheless, some board members, such as President Heather Rooks, expressed unease with DEI policies. Rooks criticized certain policies of the theater association, labeling them as racist. “I so badly want to support these kids and these programs but as [fellow board member Jeff] Tobey said, these associations need to also be accountable because that is racist,” Rooks commented. “They shouldn’t be looking at 50% of the awards goes to [people] based on skin color.” Her remarks referred to the association’s Racial Equity Action Plan, which aims to ensure equitable representation and recognition for BIPOC contributions.
Ultimately, the board arrived at a unanimous decision to continue the arts memberships, with an option to revisit the issue in the future if necessary.
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