SUBMITTED
The Upper Canada District School Board is investing an additional $500K into music education across the district so that more students can have access to quality music education and enriched musical experiences. This investment is in addition to the funding that is already allocated in school budgets to school music programs and initiatives.
In June, each school in the UCDSB received between $2,000 and $19,000, depending on the school population and types of programs already offered at the school.
Funds will be used to purchase or repair instruments, to purchase audio equipment, or to purchase other music-related resources to support music classes, choirs, musicals, plays, and other music-related clubs at the school.
“Music can have long-term positive impacts on cognitive abilities, academic success and overall well-being – all things we want for our students,” explains Trustee Michel LaBonte. “Through this investment, all students will have greater access to music and music education at school, which will benefit them for years to come.”
School staff will have the opportunity to allocate these funds directly, to best meet the needs of their schools, and maximize the impact on students.
“With so many pressures on school budgets, I’m proud that we are able to allocate this funding to our schools,” says Chair of the Board Jamie Schoular. “Music sparks creativity and connection, values which we encourage not just our students but our staff as well. I’m looking forward to hearing the results next year.”