Foundation for Edmonds School District Surpasses Goal to Save Music Programs

Lynnwood, WA – The Foundation for Edmonds School District is elated to announce the success of its Save the Arts Campaign. Thanks to overwhelming support from community members, major donors, and a challenge match led by beloved travel expert and philanthropist Rick Steves, the Foundation raised an astounding $302,000, with pledges still arriving, to help preserve music programs in the Edmonds School District for the 2025-26 school year. The campaign was launched in response to projected budget cuts that threatened music education across the District.

As a result, the district will now be able to fund eight music classes, including middle and high school jazz, orchestra, and middle school choir, preserving essential opportunities for creative expression, skill-building, and connection for hundreds of students. The campaign will cover the cost of 1.5 fte positions, split between the eight schools, and preserving the following classes:

• Orchestra at Alderwood Middle School, serving over 80 7th-grade string students
• Jazz Band at Meadowdale, Alderwood, and Brier Terrace Middle Schools
• Jazz Band 2 at Edmonds-Woodway and Mountlake Terrace High Schools
• Choir at Brier Terrace Middle School
• Music Technology at Meadowdale High School

“I’m thrilled by and thankful for the generosity of caring citizens in our community,” said Rick Steves. “Together, we exceeded our goal to help fund music programs in our local public schools, and I’m proud to be a part of this initiative.”

“The response from our community has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Tam Osborne, Manager of Visual & Performing Arts for the Edmonds School District. “When we faced the difficult reality of budget constraints impacting some of our music programs, our families, local businesses, and community members stepped forward with remarkable support. Their commitment to our students’ musical education has made all the difference.”

“Music education is fundamental to a well-rounded academic experience,” Osborne continued. “These programs don’t just teach students to play instruments or sing – they develop critical thinking, teamwork, discipline, and self-expression. Many thanks to the Foundation for Edmonds School District for their advocacy, and to the many donors whose generosity directly supports these music programs.”

The Foundation credits the campaign’s success to the collective power of community. “Our local community sent a clear message: music matters,” said Deborah Brandi, Foundation Executive Director. “Thanks to this shared commitment, students across the district will continue to learn, create, and thrive in programs that nurture expression, connection, and confidence. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved.”

For more information about the Save the Arts campaign or to support future efforts, visit www.foundationesd.org.