Advocacy Alert: Regina Public Schools Band Program at Risk

SAA Published May 27, 2025

On May 20, 2025, the Regina Leader-Post reported on potential cuts to the Regina Public Schools elementary band program.

As of May 23, no official statement has been released by the Regina Public School Division. However, there are indications that band teachers may no longer be teaching band in the fall and could be reassigned to other roles. This change would eliminate band instruction for hundreds of students in Regina. These developments follow a 40% reduction in band teaching staff since 2022, which has already led to fewer supports, larger class sizes, and reduced access to arts education.

The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) has published a call to action and a formal letter addressed to Minister of Education Everett Hindley and Premier Scott Moe.

SMEA encourages all members to:

• Read the SAA’s full statement and background

• Send a letter to your MLA, the Minister of Education, the Premier, and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association using the SAA’s online tool: https://win.newmode.net/saskatchewanartsalliance/stopfundingcutstobandinreginapublicschools-1

• Sign the petition in support of keeping band programs in Regina Public Schools

This campaign provides customizable templates for parents, educators, students, artists, and citizens to send personalized messages.

The SAA is calling for:

• A reversal of planned staffing reductions to the band program

• Continued funding for specialist music educators in elementary schools

• A commitment to maintaining equitable access to music education across Saskatchewan

We encourage all music educators and supporters to take action and share this information with their networks.

For more details or media inquiries to the SAA directly, contact Em Ironstar, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Arts Alliance director@saskartsalliance.ca | 306-550-3463