After weeks of community outcry, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) has agreed to continue its current elementary music program for another year—a major victory for parents who demanded transparency in the district’s decision-making process.
Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton sent a letter to families today announcing that the District would maintain the standard 3rd–5th grade music format and schedule with nine music teachers serving all seven elementary schools throughout Santa Monica and Malibu.
“We deeply value the perspectives of our students, families, staff and community members, and we appreciate the time so many have taken to engage in this conversation,” Shelton wrote in the letter.
The reversal comes after nearly 1,000 parents signed a Change.org petition opposing the district’s original plan to overhaul the music curriculum, reduce music instruction time and eliminate positions for 10 music teachers. Under the new agreement, one position will still be eliminated.
The elementary music team has scheduled daylong meetings this June to begin planning and discussing music programming, with the district committing to “thoughtfully develop an expansion plan and pilot potential enhancements throughout the school year.”
One-Year Fix Leaves Future Uncertain
While parents celebrated the win, the agreement only guarantees the current model for the 2026–2027 school year. The temporary nature of the decision has left many wondering what happens after next year.
“We remain committed to strengthening and expanding high-quality arts education opportunities for all students,” Shelton said. “We look forward to continuing this collaborative work with our music educators and the broader community in the months ahead.”
The district serves approximately 8,700 students. Many families viewed the original curriculum changes as another example of the District making significant decisions without adequate community input—a pattern that has frustrated parents for years.
For now, music classrooms will remain open and students will continue receiving the same level of instruction they’ve grown accustomed to. But the conversation is far from over.
Full Letter from Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton
Dear SMMUSD Families and Community,
Thank you for the thoughtful feedback, input and advocacy you have shared regarding elementary music education in our schools. We deeply value the perspectives of our students, families, staff and community members, and we appreciate the time so many have taken to engage in this conversation.
Based on the feedback received, the District will continue the current elementary music model for the 2026–2027 school year. This includes maintaining the standard 3rd–5th grade music format and schedule with nine music teachers serving our schools. Continuing the current structure will provide stability for students and staff while also allowing the District time to thoughtfully develop an expansion plan and pilot potential enhancements throughout the school year. The elementary music team has scheduled daylong meetings this June to begin to plan and discuss music programming.
We remain committed to strengthening and expanding high-quality arts education opportunities for all students. We look forward to continuing this collaborative work with our music educators and the broader community in the months ahead.
Thank you again for your partnership and support of music education in SMMUSD.
Sincerely,
Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
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