The Frisco Independent School District (FISD) has announced the conclusion of its harp program, citing a combination of budget considerations and logistical challenges. This decision follows years of efforts to sustain the program, and has been a unique part of the district’s fine arts offerings.
Maintaining harp instruction requires significant investments in both instruments and dedicated staff, which are not easily offset by the small number of students involved. Additionally, in a statement released by the school board states that this is due to the $27 million deficit that Frisco ISD has already been burdened with.
However, an alumni of the Frisco ISD harp program, Grace Kang, while understanding that the deficit puts them in a difficult position, it combats the issue by starting a petition as she believes that future generations students also deserve the option to pursue this art.
“This decision decreases our efforts to mere financial choices, overlooking the passion and adventure that comes with harp,” Kang said in her statement on the petition website. “Even though this action does not worry present harpists, the future generation will be affected. Those that want to play harp will no longer be able to and the pleasure in triumphant improvement and joy in playing the harp will be extinguished.”
Kang’s, along with everyone involved in the protest to continue the harp program, efforts have not gone unnoticed, on Feb. 24, 2025, Kang and individuals involved in this protest spoke at the Frisco ISD board meeting.
In response to concerns voiced by Kang and nine other speakers present at the meeting, the board justifies their decision.
“Frisco ISD has passed a deficit budget for three consecutive years,” the board said. “The decision to phase out the harp program is one in a series of decisions being made to close that deficit.”
Although the harp program will not be offered to students in future generations, the board assures the community that current harp students will not be affected by this decision.
“Current harp students will not be affected; incoming sixth graders and younger will no longer have harp as an instrument option in orchestra,” the board stated. “All students currently enrolled in the program, including this year’s 6th graders, will continue to receive harp instruction through their graduation. This program will ensure that students who have already begun their journey with the harp can complete their studies over the next six years.”
While the end of the harp program is a loss for the community, Frisco ISD’s efforts to preserve it as long as possible will reflect a broader challenge faced by many school districts: balancing specialized programs with the needs and interests of a growing, diverse student population.
Efforts to keep the harp program are still in full swing. The petition created by Kang has now gained more than 5,300 signatures. If you would like to contribute to the fight to save the harp program, you can sign the petition.
“Our fight isn’t over yet,” Kang stated. “We have to keep speaking up and making sure the district knows how important this program is. Let’s keep spreading the word, staying involved, and making a difference.”
