Budget Cuts Impact the Arts at CCHS
Recently, CCUSD has started laying off staff due to budget struggles, affecting both students and teachers. While budget cuts regularly occur to help balance school funds, this time they have cut into well-loved programs such as AVPA and more. According to district employees, these financial issues are not unique to Culver City. Other nearby districts are also experiencing similar challenges, suggesting a broader problem in education funding. But for students at Culver City High School, this isn’t just about budgets—it’s about the people who make the school what it is.
This year, the district approved cuts totaling 26 full-time positions across certificated, classified, and management staff. These reductions include one nurse, three math teachers, four elementary teachers, two school psychologists, three mental health counselors, and two district leadership positions, including the Arts Coordinator role currently held by Heather Moses. In addition to staff layoffs, the district is also limiting money available for classroom supplies and other school resources.
Heather Moses is one of the most prominent and distinguished staff members at CCHS, as she has supported arts programs from elementary school through high school in Culver City. Moses has been involved in building and maintaining these programs for years, helping create opportunities for students interested in theater, music, dance, and visual arts.
“My favorite part is seeing kids do what they love,” Moses said. “There’s nothing better than watching students get up there and do something they enjoy.”
Moses explained that her role goes far beyond what many people might assume. While some students may only see her involvement in specific programs, she works across the entire district, supporting events, coordinating performances, and even managing facilities, such as the Frost Auditorium.
“I think there’s just a misnomer of what we do and who we support,” she said, noting that her job involves helping “every student in this district,” not just one specific program.
Despite her dedication, Moses is one of the people that are most likely to get affected as her position is currently in danger of being eliminated from the district payroll. While she acknowledged that difficult financial decisions have to be made, she described the situation as “unfortunate,” especially given the impact on students and programs.
“I know that there are tough decisions that need to be made,” she said. “I don’t necessarily consider it unfair… just unfortunate.”
For Moses, this issue had raised the concern about how these decisions are made by the School Board. Moses pointed out that sometimes decisions about positions are made without fully understanding the scope of those roles. This can lead to confusion about what staff members actually contribute to the school community.
Despite this, she remains proud of what the district has built. “I am super, super proud of the arts programs here,” she said. “Do I think they’re going to go away? No.”
For students, the situation highlights how much happens behind the scenes to support their education. AVPA students have spoke out about the layoffs at board meetings, even doing a mini talk after performances of the school musical, Hadestown. In general, staff members like Moses, as well as JD Sargent, the Technical Director for the Frost Auditorium whose position has also been cut, play a major role in shaping the high school experience.
Even with everything still up in the air, Moses stays optimistic about the future. “I’ll absolutely be the number one fan. I’ll be coming and watching the shows,” she said.
As Culver City High School moves forward, the effects of these layoffs will likely continue to be felt. Community members are also proposing a progressive parcel tax that could generate more than $10 million annually for CCUSD if approved by Culver City voters.
But one thing is clear: the people behind these programs have made a lasting impact, and their work will not be easily forgotten.