Lilly Kim: School Scoop

True or False? San Francisco's public schools have no art or music classes for students.

False. Despite what you may hear at the playgrounds or preschools, there are worthy art and music programs in place and more public funding is on the way.

Schools are on the verge of receiving the first installment of funding under Proposition H, a ballot initiative passed by voters in March 2004 to improve school sports and library, arts and music programs. Proposition H funding, which is expected to provide $20 million to city schools during the current academic year, will peak during the 2009-2010 academic year with spending of $60 million. That funding level is then expected to remain at $60 million for five years.

City contributions to the program may be adjusted, however, due to budget deficits or general revenue shortfalls. Each year, San Francisco will appropriate one-third of the Proposition H budget to give 4-year-olds access to free, high-quality preschool; one-third for school sports, library, art and music programs; and one-third for general education purposes, such as literacy programs, or for nurses and/or counselors. The $20 million to be spent this year will pay for 15 full-time elementary school librarians and schools also will be given funds to hire a part-time nurse, counselor, social worker or learning support consultant or counselor based on community needs.

Middle schools and K-8 schools can select a part-time drama, orchestra, band or art instructor. Middle and high schools will receive funding for intramural or interscholastic athletics as well as money to continue paying Peer Resource Coordinators. The coordinators recruit and train students to offer tutoring, conflict mediation and education assistance to other students.

In addition, the Proposition H money will allow all schools to spend $5 per student on fine art supplies and it will be used to develop a master physical education plan for all city schools. These contributions will bolster the current art and music programs.

City elementary public schools already receive $1.2 million for music instruction for fourth and fifth graders. Students participating in the program can choose to learn the violin, trumpet, flute or clarinet.

In addition, the City provides $657,000 in grants to elementary schools that can be used to pay for artists in residence, art materials, supplies and field trips. The funding is approximately $26 per student. Last school year, grants paid for many Richmond enrichment programs for students, including Alamo ($16,784); Argonne ($9,725); Cabrillo ($5,907); Claire Lilienthal ($11,166); Frank McCoppin ($6,315); George Peabody ($4,034); Lafayette ($9,389); and Sutro ($5,859). Funding is expected to be about the same for this school year based on student enrollment.

The deadline for this year's Elementary Arts Grants is Nov. 10. Ask your principal and school site council how they plan on spending the grant. Richmond District middle and high schools also have extensive visual or performing arts programs.

At Presidio Middle School, students can elect to participate in band, orchestra, jazz band or drama and art. Roosevelt Middle School offers band and orchestra programs as well as visual arts classes.

Raoul Wallenburg Traditional High School has a visual arts and band program.

At George Washington High School, students can select from ceramics, visual arts, stage tech, drama, band, dance and choral music.

To see these programs in action, visit your Richmond District public schools. Tours begin in October.

For more information on how to select a school, contact Parents for Public Schools at www.ppssf.org or 468-7077. San Francisco Unified School District has detailed school data at www.sfusd.edu.

Lillian Kim is a public school parent. For questions or comments, send an e-mail to SchoolScoop@hotmail.com.