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State Grant Brings Arts Funding Windfall to School Districts
Beaumont High junior Marriam Jawaid uses a new Cintiq in her high school's digital media lab. The lab cost the district $175,000 – money they say they didn't have to spend on art until they were awarded a Student Support and Academic Enrichment grant.
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Carla Javier/KPCC
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With the new funding, Beaumont Unified bought over $1 million worth of instruments, including these violins and cellos.
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Carla Javier/KPCC
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Victoria Batta conducts during an elementary band rehearsal at Three Rings Ranch Elementary School.
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Carla Javier/KPCC
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State Grant Brings Arts Funding Windfall to School Districts
A one-time state grant provided $44 million to boost arts education and other programs for public school students. So how was the money spent?
Last year's state budget set aside $44 million for a one-time grant program to boost student health, technology, and educational opportunities - including the arts.
Beaumont Unified received more than $2.4 million this school year.
"We were able to refocus and say, 'Okay. How do we integrate visual and performing arts activities," Dr. Mathew Barnett, the district's director of TK-12 programs, explained.
For more about where the funding came from and what schools did with it, read our story on LAist.com.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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