by Kaela Williams, Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Schools
The Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Public Schools have received the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for outstanding commitment to music education.
The school district joins 476 districts across the country in receiving the award in 2016, and is one of only three Kansas districts to be honored. The other two are Blue Valley and Wichita.
The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Districts that have been recognized by NAMM Foundation are often models for other educators looking to boost their own music education programs.
“Music is such an important part of our district and community,” Superintendent Dan Brungardt said. “Our outstanding music educators, talented students and supportive community help make music programs in USD 204 so successful and something we are all very proud of.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the district answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Kaela Williams is the communications coordinator with the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Public Schools.