EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Joe Montoya, an art teacher who has dedicated 20 years to education, is facing an uncertain future as the Socorro Independent School District (SISD) grapples with a significant budget shortfall.
The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) is facing criticism after announcing plans to cut funding for elementary fine arts programs, a move that could eliminate art and music classes across the district.
The decision comes as SISD deals with a $38 million budget shortfall attributed to chronic absenteeism, declining enrollment, low birthrates, and inadequate state funding.
Montoya, a fine arts teacher with SISD, expressed his dismay over the cuts, which he said would not only affect his livelihood but also the creative development of hundreds of students.
Montoya detailed the moments he found out from the district and interim superintendent, James Vasquez, of the layoffs.
“There was a special meeting set up where we got to attend, and that is when we were informed that the following school year there will not be funding for the elementary arts programs,” Montoya said. “We are all very shocked and very disappointed.”
RELATED: Socorro ISD’s potential fine arts cuts spark concern among parents
Montoya, who travels between multiple campuses to teach art, emphasized the importance of fine arts in education.
“There are so many students that their only outlet is the fine arts,” he said. “It creates better individuals and more rounded individuals.”
Montoya also shared that SISD has been recognized for several achievements within their fine arts program.
“We have very recognized programs in art and music, not just at the elementary level, but at the high school levels. And that all started with us. It started with the elementary programs,” Montoya said.
The district’s decision has sparked concern among educators and parents who fear the impact on students’ education and well-being.
Montoya noted that art and music classes often provide students with a much-needed respite from their daily academic routines.
“They may have a bad day, and they have an art lesson or a music lesson, and that just gives them enough to get through the day and show up the following day…It’s one of the many few reasons that sometimes students do attend school, because they know they’re going to get something that has a worthwhile value to them,” Montoya said.
However, with the announcement of layoffs and the displacement of several teachers and staff with SISD, Montoya expressed his devastation over the district’s decision.
“We get to come and be rock stars every day because they love to be in our classrooms…I’m just devastated that I won’t be able to go and be there for them anymore,” shared Montoya.
The final decision on the layoffs and program cuts will be discussed at a board meeting on Wednesday.
RELATED:State rep. criticizes state funding as El Paso school districts deal with financial woes
Montoya hopes the community will rally in support of the fine arts programs, urging attendees to wear pink in solidarity.
“I’m not exactly sure how this ends, but I’m hoping that there is an alternative,” Montoya said. “We want to let our community know that we’re trying our best, and we hope that we can count on their support.”
The Socorro ISD school board is expected to discuss budget cuts and potential teacher layoffs this Wednesday during its board meeting at 6:00 PM in the District Service Center Board Room, 12440 Rojas Drive, El Paso, TX 79928.
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