and Friends of SPARC,
As many of you know SPARC is actively engaged in support of arts and arts education in the community. Beyond organizing exhibitions, concerts, performances, literary and media events, we are strong advocates for increased engagement and participation in the arts by the community.
As part of our plan for 2013 we will be working on supporting a more robust arts education program in SPUSD.
What you might not know is that due to the state budget crisis SPUSD last year lost the visual arts teacher at the elementary schools. The music and drama teachers were spared because the residents supported Measure S, which supplemented the SPUSD budget.
This measure will expire in June. The YES ON S committee is working hard to renew this measure and ensure that several positions, including the music and drama teachers will not be eliminated.
SPARC will be taking an official position in support of this measure and hope that many of you will support the initiative when it comes time to vote (February and March).
I'm attaching a letter from the Measure S committee inviting the community to support the effort and attend a Donor Reception on January 25th to hear more about the state of our schools and the Measure S. The event will take place at the historic home of Craig and Carolyn Watson (see attached letter). Carolyn is a design professional and Craig is the Director of the California Arts Council.
Thank you for your interest and participation in SPARC programs. I hope you will join the effort to support our schools and particularly the arts in schools. I will be organizing a SPARC arts education advocacy group this month to work on long-term efforts to increase arts in the schools and work with the administration to revive the SPUSD arts education policy and plan adopted a few years ago. It is part of a County-wide effort led by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.
If you are interested in being a part of the advocacy effort, please contact me. I look forward to speaking with you and working together to advocate for all of our students.
Regards,
Howard Spector, Director
South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC)
howarddspector@gmail.com
310-741-7650
SPARC Supporter Letter - Yes on S
