Boardman Local Schools has once again received the designation of one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).

According to a press release, this is the eighth time the district has received this designation. 

In order to qualify, the district answered detailed questions regarding funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.

From there, those responses were reviewed by the University of Kansas's Musical Research Institute.

"Boardman is proud of our arts education program and music offerings comprising 13 performance groups from choral, orchestra, jazz bands, marching band and our unique electric rock orchestra in Project Mayhem," said Boardman High School Principal Mark Zura.

According to the release, all music teachers in Boardman are "music specialists" with degrees in music education. 90% have a master's degree or beyond.