Monroe Public Schools is making a new, $100,000 annual investment in the district’s music programs. Half of the funds will be granted each semester. $50,000 will be granted for the remainder of the current school year.
The MPS board of education approved the annual investment at its Jan. 27 meeting.
“Last June, Monroe Public Schools eliminated ‘pay to play’ fees for our student-athletes. By reducing financial barriers for students and families, the MPS board of education supported the goal of increasing accessibility and equity in our athletic programs. Since that time, the board and administration have explored the costs incurred by families of music students,” Andrew Shaw, MPS superintendent, said in a Feb. 5 letter to district families.
District vocal music programs will receive $12,000 and instrumental music will receive $88,000 a year.
According to the letter, early figures estimate approximately $100 per semester per instrumental student and $37 per semester per vocal student. Spending will be determined by music faculty within board guidelines.
“We know that camps, competitions, instruments and clothing add up. The goal with the new investment is to save families money and support high-quality music programs. By making our programs more affordable, we hope more students will participate,” Shaw said.
MPS’ music offerings include band, orchestra and choir in fifth- through eighth-grades and, at Monroe High School, marching band, concert band, wind ensemble, jazz band, concert choir, treble chorus and Generations of Sound.
“We are incredibly proud of our extensive music offerings. New for the 2025-2026 year, with the opening of Cantrick as a 5/6 building, our music electives were expanded to include fifth grade, and these classes are now offered onsite, as part of the 5/6 school day, eliminating the need for early bird classes or special transportation,” Shaw said.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe Public Schools to provide $100K annually for music program
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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