(From DCist contributor Seth Pietras)

It appears D.C.’s public school art teachers have been hit hard by layoffs in recent years, leaving about one-quarter of the District’s 61,000 public school students without art instruction in 2002-2003 (slightly fewer students were left without music or gym).

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that’s going to get any better any time soon, despite how flush the District may be as a result of the real estate boom. According to the Post, more teacher layoffs are coming.

In response to pleas for more school funding, Mayor Anthony Williams and D.C. councilmembers have cited school system cost overruns and argued that school officials have not demonstrated fiscal responsibility.

While math appears to be the mayor’s new education focus, perhaps D.C. should take a cue from the citizens of Ohio who encourage art by holding a competition for students with a prize of coming to D.C. to show their winning works at the Capitol.

How important do you think art should be on D.C.’s education agenda?

(Image of a student self-portait from a place where they have art classes, Montgomery County, Md.)