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"We're extremely concerned with the lack of instrumental music education in the proposed "Excellence in Education" parcel tax. We respectfully request it be included on the parcel tax ballot measure. Here's why:

Our two daughters are in very different places in their SRVUSD education but both are passionate about music. Our freshman at San Ramon Valley High is actively involved with the instrumental music program. She was a stereotypical gifted child - socially awkward and struggling to find her own identity in elementary school. Once she started playing the clarinet in 4th grade, she became more self-confident and has grown into a strong, goal-oriented, high-achieving student. Her transition from middle to high school was seamless as she already knew a community of kids with the same enthusiasm for music. We firmly believe her experience in the District's instrumental music program is the key to her success in all other academic areas.

With our third grader, she has seen how wonderful the music program has been for her sister and she is eager to begin playing with [elementary school's] 4th grade band next year and continuing on in the music program through middle and high school. How can we tell her that there isn't any funding for the band? Or that the adults making funding decisions don't consider or value it as an academic program? She has already selected her instrument and hopes to make it part of her academic experience.

Please include instrumental music in the parcel tax plans. We simply cannot exclude such a program that benefits all other aspects of our children's education and lives." -Anonymous

"...Thank you for your message. I very much agree that instrumental music is important as I played an instrument throughout my school years starting in fourth grade.

Our challenge is simple----we have very limited funds and difficult choices. Two weeks ago we heard from counselors and librarians at the Board meeting, while this week we heard from PE teachers and psychologists. The simple truth is that all these services and all of the personnel matter greatly. We now find ourselves funded at the lowest level of any state in the nation. This is the issue that needs to be addressed and I hope you are expressing your concerns to your state legislators.

I would suggest that upcoming parcel tax will be critical to the school district. These funds are controlled locally and cannot be taken by the state. I do hope you give serious attention to this election.

Right now we have no choice but to prepare for the worse and hope for the best, which is why the Board is considering a number of terrible options until we know whether the parcel tax passes or not. I can tell you that I am prepared to propose an alternative approach to instrumental music which will allow it to continue at a reduced level in the elementary schools.

Thank you for your understanding and for taking the time to write.

Steven Enoch
Superintendent of Schools"