With the potential for real estate tax cuts comes the reality that public schools will have less money to fund their future budgets. Superintendent Dr. Don Robertson has noted that the arts may face cuts in the coming years. Students share their opinions:
VPAA Senior Dylan Cohen
Q: How do you feel about the potential of some arts classes in Virginia Beach City Public Schools being cut?
A: I think that it is very sad because for a lot of kids, this is what they look forward to.
Q: Do you think it’ll affect Salem?
A: I think that it will affect Salem over time. I think the academy might have to struggle to hold on because of the narrative being pushed that it is not important.
Q: Do you think something other than the arts should be cut?
A: I think instead [of] just taking from the arts, let us budget our funds from everything to compromise instead of just focusing on the arts
VPAA Senior Ria Beatriz Paguiligan
Q: How do you feel about the potential of some arts classes in Virginia Beach City Public Schools being cut?
A: I think seeing the arts get cut is very discouraging and difficult to watch happen to VBCPS fine arts students. For many, the fine arts is a form of expression, a creative outlet, and so much more, me being one of them. So seeing it be stripped away from people makes me very sad.
Q: Do you think the cuts will affect Salem?
A: I don’t think we will be affected too badly by it, simply just because of the academy. However, I do worry about the non-academy fine arts programs.
Q: Do you think something other than the arts should be cut?
A: No, I don’t think anything else should just be cut. I think maybe rather than just cutting something, we should try to allocate funds in a better way.
Sophomore Maeren Rodriguez
Q: How do you feel about the the potential of some arts classes in Virginia Beach City Public Schools being cut?
A: I don’t know why it’s being done nor do I believe it will help anyone.
Q: Do you think the cuts will affect Salem?
A: At the very least, I think it will affect the non-academy art kids. Materials for art will go to the academies first, and there will probably be fewer materials available for the non-academy kids.
Q: Do you think something other than the arts should be cut?
A: I don’t think anything should be cut. Schools should have enough money to be able to allow students to pursue the arts, sports, or whatever they wish. This issue lies further up the legal chain. I feel defense funding should be cut back a bit to allow education more breathing room.
Senior Jadyn Rhodes
Q: How do you feel about the potential of some art classes in Virginia Beach City Public Schools being cut?
A: I feel that it is unfair because the arts help students mentally.
Q: Do you think the cuts will affect Salem?
A: I think it will because, I mean, we are an arts school.
Q: Do you think something other than the arts should be cut?
A: I think it should all stay the same.
