I think it is very unfortunate that schools are forced to make these kinds of cuts. Our high school has done a similar thing, but we cut auto shop. The same is being done all over the country with schools cutting summer school sessions. Many students will need these extra classes in order to graduate from high school.
I am not sure where you are located, but in California it is a recommended to attend a state university that a student have some form of art (either in the form of physical or performing).