The Boardman Local School District is excited to announce that it has been honored once again, with the ‘Best Communities for Music Education’ designation for 2026. For more than 26 years, the NAMM Foundation’s award has recognized school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the ‘Best Communities’ designation, the Boardman music department answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified, and then reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“Boardman is proud of our Arts education program and music offerings comprising more than a dozen performance groups from choral, orchestra, jazz bands, marching band and our unique electric rock orchestra called ‘Project Mayhem’,” said Boardman High Principal, Dr. Mark Zura. “As High School is the pinnacle experience, we are grateful for all the teachers and parents who invest in our young people starting from kindergarten through 12th grade. This foundation prepares our Spartans to take the stage early and often, and results in continuing excellence in our district-wide music programs.”
“Music education gives students a creative outlet where they build self-esteem and discipline, gaining a sense of pride and accomplishment while developing important social skills,” said Boardman music department chair Michele Prokop. “A lifelong appreciation for music is something that we hope to give our students, with options to be involved and excel during their k-12 experience,” Prokop added.
In Boardman:
All teachers who teach music are “music specialists” with degrees in music education, and 90% have a master’s degree or beyond.
Students participate in various honors groups, district, regional and state performing opportunities
Performances are well attended by community members, parents, administrators, board of education members, students and classroom teachers
All students in performing groups grades 5-12 perform in a high-quality performance venue for an audience at least twice a year
Offer many extra-curricular music and fine arts programs for students: drama productions, after school choir, band and orchestra
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.