Answers are in the order in which they were inputted.
(did not reply: Chris Dinnell, Heather Larson, Andrew Scallion)
1. How do you view arts and music education within the public school system?
Richard Lee
I view arts and music education just like all academic subjects, they are all essential to our students’ learning experience in our schools.
Donna Sargent
I view arts and music education as being an integral part of the public school system. We not only offer arts and music courses the arts and music are integrated in every aspect of the curriculum. Our Strategic Plan which had a robust consultation has the arts and music woven throughout our plan. In the district we are very much focused on the success of each individual student and how each student learns best. It is very clear how important the arts are for students and their learning.
Rod Belleza
I view arts and music as integral part of the public school system and they should be considered as critical components of child’s education. Art improves academic achievement and music can improve memory. Art and music enhance creativity and critical thinking skills, improve language and reading skills and instill discipline.
Debbie Tablotney
First elected in 2002 the board was facing a huge deficit and was considering cutting the elementary band program among others. I campaigned to save theses programs and the board found ways to continue the elementary band program and arts programs by being creative with teacher scheduling. My boys have benefited and developed a love of the arts by taking part in these programs. All students should be exposed to arts programs that foster creativity. It is proven that education in the arts improves testing outcomes and can be very effective in teaching students with various learning abilities and challenges.
Rajan Paul
The arts and music are such an important part of our lives and it should be an important part of our schools. We put such importance in sports but not everyone is a sportsperson, or an academic. Musicians and artist are needed for a valued and cultured life. We should encourage all children to pursue their creative dreams and the schools should help them achieve that goal.
Linda Li
Arts and music are the unsung heroes of our education system. Sometimes people can be fixated on academia, but I believe arts and music play a vital role to allow students to self-determine, self-express, socialize, create, innovate, diversify their intelligence, foster empathy, develop rhythm and synchronization, and most of all, pursue individual happiness. Unfortunately, arts and music are often the first victim when there are budget cuts. Yet, the pandemic has taught us the hidden detriments when society neglects our students’ mental wellbeing, self-expression, and social and creative connections. With arts and music, students can fulfill their full potential.
Alice Wong
The arts and music education are great benefit for school students from K-12. Giving students have opportunity to build confident, critical thinking, and develop diverse creative skill. City Richmond provide Richmond Art School programs which work with Richmond Art Gallery, programs are designed to integrate the BC Arts Curriculum and make connections to other area of classroom learning for students from K-12. Funding is from Government to implement the Art Curriculum for the diverse need of students’ interest.
Rachel Ling
I believe that arts and music education within the public school system is integral in providing a gateway for all students to experience the value and benefits of creativity. While I myself participated in programs outside of the public school system in providing students with arts and music education, I feel that only the public school system can ensure that all students – regardless of their background and upbringing – receive the benefit of creative education and experience. In sum, I see it as opening students’ doors for opportunities in their life journey.
Ken Hamaguchi
I think it is a critical part of our curriculum. We want our students to have as many learning experiences as possible, focusing on a broad range of courses and programs. The more well rounded the student, the better off he/she is going to be. Some students are going to excel in academia, sports, music, the fine arts,etc. (or any combination of them). It is our schools obligation to expose them to these different areas of study, and to support them as they move to whatever interests them.
Kay Hale
Arts and Music is the fabric of our society and can shape abilities and characters. It helps with the development of motor skills, language skills and social skills, decision making and risk taking and inventiveness. Preparing student to understand math and science given them tools to understand, analyze and impact the communities where they live. Visual arts teach learners about colour, layout perceptive and balance all techniques that are necessary in presentation (visual, and digital ) of academic work). Student in Arts and Music are less likely to abuse substances over their lifetime.
David Yang
Arts and music are an important part of the learning experience for students. Students in Richmond have diverse learning needs and interests, and many students are artistically and musically talented. They need to be given the right resources and opportunities to excel in their fields of interest. In early years, elementary schools should provide all students with exposure to a range of musical instruments and art forms, with specializations in specific types of arts and music (fine arts, drama, band) in secondary schools through programs and courses.
Dean Billings
Arts and music education provide an opportunity to develop their creativity and other important skills including listening and habits of deliberate practice. Arts and music education enriches student’s lives by introducing them to something they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. It also provides a window into the history of other cultures.
2. How would you support arts and music education for teachers and staff?
Richard Lee
I would advocate for and work with our RTA teachers, and our educational workers including our Education assistants, our library workers, our early children workers to enhance our students’ learning experience.
Donna Sargent
As a Trustee it is important to understand the need for arts and music and then to support teachers and staff by making sure professional development is very much a part of our budget plan. Supporting our staff and teachers is the best way for our students and their learning. It is through them that students will be successful. I also believe that its important for students to gain a lifelong respect for the arts and music. Arts and music have had a huge impact on my life and have made it better.
Rod Belleza
I would like to advocate for increase investment for arts and music education in school and for teachers and staff. I want the School District to provide opportunities for students to develop their individual potentials.
Debbie Tablotney
In the past the Board has supported a Senior Staff person as an arts and music advisor to assist teachers in delivering learning outcomes in the arts. This position has been threatened by our ongoing structural deficit however we have managed to maintain it. If the Board continues to see improved revenue due to increased enrollment and is successful in advocating for increased operational funding, I would like to see that position strengthened and another added to it. More than ever our students need creative outlets to improve their mental wellness and to sustain them through their school years .
Rajan Paul
It’s no surprise that schools and classes are underfunded. The art and music dept. get hit the hardest. I would show my support by contacting organizations and corporation and start a donation fund. art supplies and music instruments that have been previously used or became damaged in transit can be useful in the classroom.
Linda Li
Like SOGI123, Truth and Reconciliation, and anti-racism programs, progressive curriculums need progressive funding. Teachers shouldn’t be teaching in compromised or insufficient circumstances. Our programs should be a concrete investment in our students and teachers. For our students, I’ll defend and advocate for funding for arts and music programs, and I’ll support afterschool clubs and activities so students can be empowered to fulfill their visions through extracurricular activities. For our teachers, I’ll consult them to explore ways to strengthen and diversify their abilities and skills in arts and music, and ensure professional development days include arts, music, and cultural diversification opportunities.
Alice Wong
I would advocate more funding and resources to support art and music education in schools, support art teachers in need of art material and musical instrument, support professional development for teachers and staff, ensure art and music teachers are teaching within a good working environment.
Rachel Ling
Providing arts and music experiences that connect teachers and staff to the broader community is important. I do wish to create structure and alignment with community resources and partners for the benefit of the entire community, including teachers and staff. I currently serve as a library trustee for the Richmond Public Library. I want to build on existing services in the Richmond Public Library and establish and/or strengthen connections with School District 38 and community organizations to increase arts and music opportunities and experiences for teachers and staff.
Ken Hamaguchi
I would be supporting our staff whose focus is on the arts and educations (as trustees, we have no say in curriculum)
Kay Hale
Effective teachers of the Arts be allowed to continue to learn and grow in a mastery of the art form as well as in their teaching competence. Have board of education provide a supportive policy framework and environment for Arts. Support the development of plans to strengthen arts education and allocate resources in accordance with the plan. Consider artistic qualities of buildings and the need of arts education programs during facility renovation and development. Encourage teacher to continue to learn and grow in mastery of their art form as well as in their teaching competence.
David Yang
The District needs to work hard to recruit and retain specialized educators, such as arts and music teachers. I also believe that the District can expand and support arts and music education by establishing a formal strategy that can outline the District’s vision in this area of study.
Dean Billings
For teachers and staff, support and training would be provided as required to support student programs.
3. Would you support, in addition to stand alone courses, integrating arts and music with socials, science and math courses? Why or why not?
Richard Lee
Yes I would, I would leave the how in the capable hands of our RTA and CUPE staff members. Because I believe an integrated approach is better a compartmentalized approach.
Donna Sargent
Yes I would and I am so proud it is happening already. BC Curriculum is seen in the world as a standout because it is very much focussed on the individual child and it is very clear children need arts and music in their life and that the arts helps learning in other subjects.
Rod Belleza
Yes. I will support that in addition to stand alone courses, arts and music should be integrated with socials, science and math courses like in liberal arts courses. Arts and music enhance creativity and critical thinking skills, instill discipline and will help improve student achievement.
Debbie Tablotney
Integrating arts with other subjects helps raise test scores and improve student learning outcomes. Research proves that skills learned in visual arts helps with literacy skills and that playing an instrument leads to better math outcomes. I support cross curricular learning and learning through the arts in creative ways leads to improved critical thinking and creative problem solving. Science and Social Studies as well as math can be taught through opera as one example and has been a program supported by some of our schools.
Rajan Paul
No i would not, music and art should stand on its own. i wouldn’t even consider art and music integrating. Musician and artist have different methods to their artistry. integrating socials, sciences and math would just confuse the creative process.
Linda Li
The real world isn’t separated neatly based on curriculum, so our education system should reflect on this reality and focus on how our students’ humanistic needs and career development. In primary education, it is important to establish a good foundation in arts, music, socials, science, and math through standardized curriculum. As our economic system now demands more creativity and innovation from labor forces, our advance education for secondary students should incorporate the integrate of arts and music with socials, science, and math. When the education system adds arts and music with socials, science and math, it’ll foster creativity and innovation in our students and holistically empower them for the future.
Alice Wong
I would support, in addition to stand alone courses, integrating arts and music with socials, science and math courses. It is because I support the education of 21 century, support teachers to combine the learning standard in various ways. Teachers are encouraged to create courses, modules, thematic units or learning experiences that go beyond learning area borders to focus on student’ needs and interests.
Rachel Ling
I would be very supportive of the idea. I believe it would boost student learning, engagement and enjoyment. I am of the view that a well-integrated curriculum results in a better, deeper student understanding of the subject matter. I do recognize this will require teachers to engage in additional professional development to learn about arts and how to connect the arts to the curriculum they teach, but I believe that the merits outweigh the costs.
Ken Hamaguchi
I don’t have enough knowledge about curriculum to answer this question, but I have no problem asking this question to our teachers and administration.
Kay Hale
Integrating of Arts and Music in to the curricular gives deep attention to the quality and interaction of things surround us. Understanding applications in the arts, policy and civic life Preparing student to understand math and science given them tools to understand, analyze and impact the communities where they live. Studies has shown that music produces several positive effect on a human body and brain. Music activities both the left and right brain at the same time and activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improves memories.
David Yang
I believe there is room for artistic and musical expressions in other academic subject areas. By allowing students to explore the curriculum through these expressions, students are able to come across different perspectives in their learning. It also inspires students to gain interest in art and music.
Dean Billings
I support integrating arts and music with social studies in elementary grades to enhance creativity and interest.
4. Would you support making art supplies and instruments low cost or free? Why or why not?
Richard Lee
I do because that is our Canadian way, a free K to 12 education is what we do.
Donna Sargent
Yes I would support making art supplies and instruments low cost or free and am proud to say Richmond School District has such a program. Not all children have access or the ability to rent instruments. The strength of Public Education is that all children will have access to the very best education possible and that Includes access to the tools needed to be successful. As a governor of the system I would ensure I continue to advocate for adequate, stable and predictable funding to continue to support our students, teachers and staff.
Rod Belleza
Yes. I will support making art supplies and instrument low cost or even free depending on budget priorities. I believe that the school district should increase its investment because arts and music education are very important for students to develop their individual potential.
Debbie Tablotney
Yes, it is important that all students and their classrooms have access to the supplies and instruments needed to run these programs. The school district has been creative in finding new ways to partner with other district to order instruments and supplies in larger quantities to save on costs. The Ministry of Education should look at ways of assisting school districts with these purchasing agreements so there are cost saving initiatives across the province. I would also like to see provincial grants provided to schools who have student populations that are struggling with access to the needed supplies and instruments.
Rajan Paul
Yes i would, the cost of art supplies and instruments should never get in the way of a child achieving their creative goal. as a trustee i would explore all avenues to make sure a child has what they need.
Linda Li
Without proper supplies or equipment for arts and music programs is like having chemistry classes without chemicals. Unfortunately, arts and music supplies are expensive and can be a barrier for vulnerable students. Education is a great equalizer and we must help students reach their maximum potential. Arts and music equipment and supplies need to be properly funded. When a school system invests early and properly in students, society benefits and prospers. I’ll strive to keep arts and music supplies as free or low cost as possible, so that supply costs don’t become a barrier for equity in our school system.
Alice Wong
I would support making art supplies and instruments low cost or free, because many students don’t have the money for instruments or expensive arts supplies. The school can give the students’ choice for borrowing or renting.
Rachel Ling
I support working with all the stakeholders (such as local government, profit, and non-profit organizations) to work out a strategy to provide safe, low-cost, and free art supplies to the community. I hope all the people in the community will have equitable access to art supplies and instruments. I would like to review the city and community’s current resources, develop and expand opportunities to have creative tool libraries, musical instrument libraries, and/or other creative sources lending programs
Ken Hamaguchi
I am in support of making as many supplies and instruments free or affordable, given our budget (it’s tempting to say that everything should be free. and it probably should be – but that doesn’t reflect our financial realities).
Kay Hale
Support plans to strengthen art education, allocate resources for supplies and instruments for students from low income household. Budget to Funds Standard Art supplies. Approval budget to support a School Musical Instrument library for students from low income household, to burrow instruments. Parents support to donate any used musical instrument to school. Advocate for funding and support from community partners.
David Yang
Yes. I believe that equitable access to resources such as instruments and supplies is key to strengthening arts and music education in the District. By making arts and music equipment more accessible at each school, students can have more opportunities to explore their interests in arts and music. The district can achieve this by dedicating resources to grow the District’s Arts Education department and ensure that procurements can be made for schools.
Dean Billings
Yes, I would support subsidizing the cost of art supplies. I played a French horn in elementary school that was provided by the district, and others should have the same opportunity.
5. How would you support school initiatives for arts and music field trips or visits by arts practitioners?
Richard Lee
Since we Trustees are in charge of budgeting , we must plan ahead and ensure that such field trips and visits by artists at our schools are affordable to all our students.
Donna Sargent
We know that making the learning come to life is the way to go as it truly engages the learner. I would continue to support and advocate for funding that supports field trips and visits. It really does take a village to raise a child and we in Richmond are so fortunate to have community partners such as those requesting this survey to help in that work. Thanks for all you do for all our students!
Rod Belleza
Richmond is a beautiful city with diverse makeup and history. Field trips are very important in discovering the many splendours that our city has to offer. Funding is a critical issue for this initiative to prosper. Yes, I will support this initiative. Through partnership with the city, the school district, local arts organizations, and other stakeholders, we may be able to share resources available for this purpose. We can attract or retain arts practitioners by supporting the works that they do and by recognizing the importance of their contribution to the promotion of the Arts. We will be honoured by their visit.
Debbie Tablotney
All students should have the opportunity to participate in these opportunities. Students benefit greatly from these initiatives. It enriches their learning and provides them with inspiration which may lead them to a career in the arts. PACS have been providing funding for these programs in schools and we should be thankful for that.
The district can provide grants for these programs. As was done with Feed U Cate 38 funding breakfast programs we could possibly establish a fund that community members could contribute to providing students with these experiences. All students should have the opportunity to participate in these opportunities.
Rajan Paul
i am in favor of fields trips, to art galleries. gallery showing of local artists. A trip to the symphony, anything to enrich the students experience. i also am in favor of bringing artist into the schools . bringing artist into schools will allow a larger audience and it also allows teaches and other school staff to attend.
Linda Li
It’s important for students to experience and interact with artists and musicians. If the education system believes in integrating arts and music with socials, science and math, then field trips with creative technologies and industries based on arts and music must be explored by inspired students. Our society is advancing quickly and progressing diversely. For students to truly be the inspirational labor forces of tomorrow, our education system must continuously find ways to break free from traditional expectations and open our students’ mind with imagination. Arts and music play a vital role in fostering students’ openness, creativity, innovation, and confidence.
Alice Wong
I believe that arts and music field trips are critical element in learning, it will be incredible learning experience for students. I suggest that School PAC can do fundraising to support students’ field trips.
Rachel Ling
I would: • Create safe and inclusive spaces for such initiatives and visits. • Integrate the initiatives and visit with calls to action of truth and reconciliation. • Connect schools with Richmond’s diverse cultural communities to encourage sharing of art and music. • Invite diverse groups, including those typically underrepresented, to participate in the telling of their story in the Richmond context, through creative engagement such as music and art.
Ken Hamaguchi
I would encourage parents to speak to their schools about their ideas. If the board is asked to support these initiative, I would be most open to it
Kay Hale
Field Trip and mentor-ship is an inspirational and captivating experience I advocate to the School Board for support this initiative. Parent and community partner be encourage to volunteer.
David Yang
By engaging stakeholders in the arts and music sector as an active community partner. Field trips and school visits cannot happen without those who are willing to share their artistic and musical knowledge. The District can achieve this by liaising with community groups, artists, musicians, and other professionals in the field on a consistent basis. This will allow the District and stakeholders to share information, develop opportunities, and enhance working relationships.
Dean Billings
I would like to see if we can get greater use of our underused facilities by art practitioners. In addition, I support the introduction of partner dancing events/content for high school students (square dance, salsa, bhangra, waltz, etc.), lead by dance instructors from various cultures.
Thank you to the candidates for their responses.
For more info on how to vote this year, please go to http://richmond.ca/elections .