Under the warm glow of the St. Mary's County Public Schools Board of Education meeting room, educators and community members gathered to voice their thoughts on pressing issues affecting local students. Among them was Megan Chikancey, a passionate band director at Leonardtown Middle School, who spoke on behalf of herself and her husband, Steven Gianuzzi, also a band director. With nearly two decades of experience each, they have witnessed the transformative power of music education firsthand.

As the meeting unfolded, Chikancey highlighted the importance of arts in schools, noting that their comments coincided with the conclusion of Music in Our Schools Month. She expressed concern over proposed changes to the master schedule that could adversely affect music programs, particularly for younger students. "We have direct concerns for the proposed master schedule changes and how this will impact programming on the secondary level," she stated, emphasizing the need for a solution that benefits all students.

The discussion reflected a broader sentiment among educators and parents alike, who are eager to ensure that the arts remain a vital part of the curriculum, especially in challenging times marked by inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic. As the meeting continued, it became clear that the community values the rich experiences that music and arts education provide, and many are eager to collaborate on solutions that support these essential programs.

As the evening progressed, the board listened intently to the concerns raised, signaling a commitment to finding a path forward that honors the contributions of arts education in shaping well-rounded students. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for the future of music and arts in St. Mary's County schools, leaving attendees hopeful for a collaborative approach that prioritizes the needs of all students.