SWSD Hosts VAPA Advisory Meeting to Shape Arts Education Priorities

South Whittier School District hosted a Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) advisory meeting at the district office on Monday, October 26, bringing together educators, parents, site representatives, and community members to review progress and plan for the year ahead. Guided by the theme "Every Student Deserves," the meeting reinforced the district's commitment to ensuring all students have access to quality arts education.

The session opened with a look at where the district stands today, followed by a Prop. 28 refresher and a review of current funding and expenditures. Attendees then turned to the District Arts Plan, which is built around three priorities. The first, Inclusive, Culturally Relevant Arts Learning, which aims to expand meaningful VAPA opportunities for students and staff through curriculum, scheduling, field trips, and professional development. The second, Districtwide Programs & Community Partnerships, which focuses on strengthening ongoing programs, site leadership, community partnerships, and family participation. The third, Sustainable Programs, Systems & Advocacy, which seeks to build lasting funding and systems that support and advocate for VAPA programs throughout the district.

Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, the district will concentrate on building district-wide support for arts education, developing site-based expenditure plans, and strengthening community engagement.

A highlight of the meeting was the site assessment activity. During this activity representatives from each school worked in teams to discuss four guiding questions, what is working well, where the gaps are, what opportunities exist, and what would help. The conversation gave each site a chance to share its strengths, identify needs, and exchange ideas with colleagues across the district.

The input from this meeting will help inform site-based expenditure plans and strengthen the district's arts programs in the coming year.