Spotlighting School Inequities
By: Jules Pizano
A widely recognized issue in public schools is the disproportionate amount of funding allocated to sports, while the arts are left to wither. I remember how the football team always had new uniforms, state-of the-art equipment, and a freshly turfed field, whereas the art supplies were often old, damaged, or completely absent. It was disheartening to see the band rehearsing in a cramped, poorly ventilated room with outdated equipment. Funding should be equitable for both sports and the arts to ensure a balanced education that fosters different talents and interests. Equitable funding would not only provide necessary resources for art programs but also validate the significance of the arts in developing developmental skills that sports does with athletes. By investing equally in the arts, schools can cultivate a more inclusive environment that recognizes and supports the diverse potential of every student.
To add on top of the already frustrating situation at my high school, our theater department was scrambling to find volunteers and the money to put on our shows. So much time and effort from parent volunteers went into making costumes and building the sets, with many of them having to devote their weekends to help out the theater department. There were many times where I had to seek out my costumes and pay for them out of pocket, which I didn’t have much funds for because I didn’t have a job. There was barely any room in the theater room and we didn’t have a stage to practice our scenes, in which we had to practice outside. Sometimes I would go home feeling discouraged and unmotivated by the lack of funding we had for our shows. I specifically enrolled at the highschool in my district that had more funding than the rest because the highschool I was supposed to go to didn’t even have a theater department. I was grateful that I at least had a creative outlet, but what about the schools and students who don’t have the dedicated work of volunteers to put on a show? The budget for the arts and theater is so low that it's nearly impossible to provide students with the tools and opportunities they need to explore their talents. Art and theater are vital for a student’s self-expression and emotional health!
But one thing is for sure: all these issues are because of a severe lack of funding. Arts and theater programs are essential for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness among students. Despite their importance, they suffer from chronic underfunding, depriving many children of the resources necessary to pursue their passions. It's time we reassess our priorities and guarantee that ALL students receive a well-rounded education, complete with robust support for both sports and the arts.