A Harbor City high school might lose its mariachi and folklorico group

Narbonne High School is at risk of losing one of its music teachers who also administers the school’s mariachi and folklorico group.

Every year, LAUSD holds a “Norm Day,” usually in September, which requires a count of student enrollment to determine staff, resources and funding needed. According to enrollment, there’s a calculation of how many teachers, counselors and other staff are needed at each school.

On Wednesday, the LAUSD board celebrated the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month – which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 – where students performed cultural dances they learned at school.

Meanwhile others struggled to keep their cultural program alive. Narbonne High School in Harbor City in the South Bay is one of them, losing one of two music teachers due to low enrollment. 

An LAUSD spokesperson said that “after careful consideration, the principal made the decision to allocate resources toward protecting core instructional programs, ensuring that students continue to receive the strongest possible academic foundation.” 

When parents and students learned about this situation apetition started circulating about the school’s teacher, Michelle Castillo.

The removal of Castillo’s position will affect the beginning strings and piano classes, as well as Raices de Oro Verde, the school’s mariachi and folklorico group. 

Advocates say these classes are vital for students to learn more about their traditions and identity.

While LAUSD indicates that Narbonne has low enrollment in general, advocates say that since the inception of the program in 2022, the program has continuously increased its members, currently standing at 30.

The group has participated in local gatherings such as Harbor City’s Night Market and Tree Lighting Ceremony, in recruitment shows and music symposiums at schools such as Fleming Middle School, Dodson Middle School and Garfield High School, indicates the petition.

 The group has also performed for the California Teacher Association’s El Sol Caucus – a group that promotes “public education, the recruitment and retention of Hispanic, Latina/o/x, Chicana/o/x Educators throughout the state of California.” 

The petition has more than 1,000 signatures. 

LAUSD responds

The LAUSD spokesperson said that their commitment to artistic expression remains strong. “Through our valued partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, after-school opportunities — including Mariachi — will continue to be available, and we will work alongside the Narbonne community to create meaningful cultural and creative experiences for all students,” said LAUSD.

LAUSD Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin, who represents Narbonne, said on Friday the LAUSD was analyzing student enrollment data, budgets and course offerings. The results help the district make adjustments, based on finite resources, student needs and staff seniority, based on collective bargaining agreements.

“This year, I have dozens of schools in my Board District, including Narbonne, my alma mater, that are facing very difficult decisions about displacing teachers,” she said. 

Ortiz said she has been working with the school principals, regional leadership and LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho to have as little disruption to student learning as possible, while prioritizing their highest-need students and communities. 

“I would hate to lose such an important culture and arts program at Narbonne, but even I, myself, was displaced as a new teacher back in 2005,” she said.  “I know how deeply personal and challenging this process is.” 

LAUSD is expected to have more information on the final decision regarding any cuts.