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Los Angeles Times

Opinion: From sweet success to bitter reality: OCSA's funding crisis

It was a day of pure joy for us as OCSA was officially ranked the #1 charter high school in California and #10 in the Nation . This recognition of years of dedication by students, teachers, and families who had poured their hearts into this institution, but beneath the sweetness of the celebration, an undeniable concern loomed–the funding crisis threatening the programs that made this achievement possible. Critical after-school programs such as the wind conservatory and theatre department were set to receive budget cuts or be fully removed by the end of the year. This is especially worrying for my classmates and me, attending a performing arts-based institution that aimed to provide a holistic education in the arts. Charter School Funding–What's the Problem? Technically, OCSA is tuition-free , but it's a donation-dependent public charter school that requires voluntary donations from parents to meet the gap between state funding and its operational costs. Each year, the school asks parents to donate to a Conservatory Funding Agreement, between $3,000 and $4000, to cover conservatory classes, events, and teacher salaries. However, this model is neither sustainable nor equitable, placing an undue burden on families instead of securing consistent state-backed funding. Unlike traditional public schools, which receive steady state funding per student, charter schools like OCSA operate with inconsistent and often inadequate financial support. The state fails to fully cover the costs of an intensive arts-focused program, leaving OCSA dependent on private donations and fundraising. Who Suffers the Most? At the heart of this funding crisis are the students who have dedicated themselves to their craft, only to see their opportunities diminish. These young artists, musicians, dancers, and performers have invested countless hours refining their skills, pushing boundaries, and striving for excellence. Yet, with each funding cut , they face the harsh reality that their dreams may be slipping away. With limited funding, critical courses in dance, music, visual arts, theater, and creative writing are at risk of being downsized or eliminated. For many, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, OCSA represents more than just a school–it is a community. It opens doors that might otherwise remain closed, providing students with the mentorship, resources, and experiences needed to turn passion into a profession. However, as funding dwindles, these opportunities may be stripped away, further deepening the divide between privileged and underprivileged young artists . A Flutist's Perspective – A Student from the Instrumental Music Conservatory I remember my first day at OCSA's Instrumental Music Conservatory–rushing towards Symphony Hall, unlocking my flute case excitedly, and stepping into my first symphonic band rehearsal with 57 other aspiring musicians. The band conductor's voice was filled with enthusiasm and passion. He passed our first piece with spirit, lifted his baton, and led our band to success. However, by my sophomore year, budget cuts began to chip away at the experience I loved. Conservatory hours were shortened by 20 minutes–a small change on paper, but in reality, it was a loss that accumulated slowly. Rehearsals became rushed, warm-ups were skipped, and the once-meticulous approach to refining our sound was replaced with hurried instructions. I could feel the dying enthusiasm of my once aspiring peers, and as a band, we couldn't be the best version of ourselves. In the flute masterclass, our once passionate teacher told us to pick shorter solo pieces for our end-of-semester jury. Interviews – Hearing from OCSA: Students Speak Up Curious to uncover the true effects of these budget cuts, I turned to classmates across different conservatories to see how a lack of funding has impacted their arts experiences. In the Visual Arts Conservatory, Chloe Kim said she 'Often lacked time and had to move on without finishing her drawing or sculpture,' feeling like she was 'always in a hurry and unable to deeply explore new ideas or develop her techniques.' In the Musical Theater Conservatory, Dan Kwak confessed that 'the director had to cut important scenes to rehearse A Midsummer Night's Dream successfully,' also remarking that 'they were barely going through the story instead of having time to refine the play.' Growing up, my peers and I were told that academic achievement was not the only indicator of success, with involvement in extracurricular activities to cultivate a wide range of skills being the most important driver in success. While beneficial advice, in reality, the removal of extracurricular activities harms students the most, as they are unable to hone and display their passions, taking away from their engagement in the classroom. A Wake-Up Call to Action OCSA's funding crisis should serve as a wake-up call to other schools and communities, reflecting larger issues in arts education. Without sustained investment, schools like OCSA risk losing their ability to cultivate young talent. One possible solution to OCSA's financial struggles is a sliding-scale donation system, where families contribute based on income rather than a fixed amount. This would ensure that financial support is more equitable and that families who can afford to give more do so, while those with limited resources are not excluded from participating in the school's financial stability. I believe that California's leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature, must act decisively to address these disparities before it is too late. Concrete steps must be taken to secure long-term funding for OCSA and similar institutions, implementing a more balanced distribution of public education funds and preventing charter schools from being unfairly sidelined. As a result of federal grant cuts, OC public schools are set to lose out on $27.8 million in state funding that will have an impact on teachers and the district's budget . Simply thinking about actions will fix none of the issues causing this problem; a concrete action plan must be crafted to address the root causes of the issue of funding charter schools. Parents, students, and community members must also rally to advocate for increased funding. Writing to legislators, participating in fundraising efforts, and spreading awareness can all make a tangible difference. OSCA's ranking as #1 Charter High School is a testament to its excellence, but without proper funding, how long could it last? OCSA's programs, which have opened doors for many successful artists and professionals, risk being shut down by the weight of financial uncertainty. The time to act is now. Related