MPSD's Carter honored for her support for music education
Feb. 21—Save The Music Foundation has named Meridian Public School District Superintendent Amy J. Carter as recipient of the 19th annual Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education.
Carter was presented the award during the third general session at the National Conference on Education in San Diego, California, hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
The award recognizes one superintendent or school district CEO who has exhibited outstanding commitment to restoring music education in his or her school district.
Carter was chosen for her unwavering devotion to providing students across the community of Meridian with a well-rounded education that includes music, according to a press release from AASA.
"I am humbled and honored to receive this award," Carter said in the release. "The arts were instrumental in making me the person I am today, and through the Save The Music Foundation grants, we are able to provide those same opportunities for the students in Meridian.
"I was one of those students who may not have gotten the opportunity to attend college without the doors the arts opened for me," said Carter, a former teacher and principal. "My goal is to provide the same opportunities and beyond for our students in Meridian. Music provides our students with an arena to showcase and develop their many talents."
Celebrating its 25th year, Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization that partners with public school districts to donate grants in the form of new musical instruments, technology, equipment and resources for music teachers and school leaders to build music programs.
"We were recognized at the national level by the Save the Music team and it just says great things are happening in Meridian Public School District with the arts for our students," Carter told those in attendance at Tuesday night's Meridian school board meeting.
Over the past two years, Save The Music has supported Meridian's investment in music education with both elementary music and middle school band grant programs, music teacher professional development and ongoing program support, totaling more than $200,000.
"Superintendent Carter's leadership is a model for music education investment for students," said Jaclyn Rudderow, senior director of school programs at the Save The Music Foundation. "Her leadership and vision have brought rich and well-rounded music education access to all Meridian students. Save The Music is thrilled to be honoring her on a national level."
Through the Save The Music Foundation grants, Carver, Crestwood, Parkview and West Hills elementary schools, as well as Magnolia and Northwest middle schools, have been able to expand their music programs giving students more access and providing more instruments.
Antonio Altman, the district's arts coordinator, told the school board that all elementary school students now have access to the arts, especially music education.
"At the middle school level, there's been a large increase of students in the arts," he said. "In particular, Northwest has over 200 students in the band program."
AASA's National Conference on Education, held in San Diego Feb. 15-17, is a professional learning and networking event for school superintendents and administrators. The conference addressed critical issues facing public schools today and provided the latest insights, strategies and best practices to help school districts be successful.
Contact Glenda Sanders at gsanders@themeridianstar.com.
