- Fine arts programs in the district will continue to move forward
|
By Rebecca Dopp
Times-News Correspondent
The fine arts programs within the district are going to continue, but teachers are asked to prioritize their wants and needs. Darin Clark, clerk-treasurer, reported on the budget for the fine arts programs.
The district has budgeted $20,000 for the fine arts program. That is in addition to the regular instrument account in the junior high of $10,000.
The district has asked the fine arts teachers in the district, Laren Swenson, JHS drama instructor; Kristy Carter, JHS art instructor; Tana Esplin, JHS choir director; and Lane Johnson, JHS/JJHS band director, to meet together and make a wish list, prioritize it, and work out how they would like to spend the money.
"There was some budgeted last year," said Clark, "and they had some big-ticket items they wanted to get for the orchestra and the band, and they requested to carry some of that over into this year to allow them to purchase some of those instruments."
He said they met last year to discuss their wish list.
"I think they are more than fair on how they set their priorities and make sure each area gets a turn ," said Clark. "Right now I think it's been more focused on band and orchestra, but as they get situated with a new program, that might shift. That is budgeted out of capital outlay."
Board member Stacy Brooks asked if the $20,000 was sufficient for what the teachers needed.
Clark said that it was not really sufficient for what the programs needed, but in light of the recent budget cuts, the teachers were relatively pleased with what they received.
"I've told them that even if there isn't enough, to make sure they identify those needs and what they need beyond that and then I will take it before the board and the superintendent," Clark said.
Superintendent Jim Shank reported on his meeting with Tana Esplin who is also the Elementary Music Program Coordinator and Curriculum Development. He said they wanted to discuss the future of the elementary music programs.
"My understanding is that we are going to continue to fund that through Public Trust Lands funds," he said.
He had asked Esplin what her intentions were concerning the programs and how she understood the direction of the district in respect to the program. The goals she has set forth include trying to make sure the curriculum is understood, and what is being expected is being taught to the elementary students.
"Obviously, funds are an issue," said Shank, "but we want to make sure we grow and develop those programs so we have a strong music basis to feed our junior high and high schools."
Shank recognized that fine arts programs are critically important in the students' development.
He said he is going to meet again with Esplin and pinpoint specifics in direction for the programs. He also wants input from the area principals so they have a good line of communication open.
"We both agree that this is a program that needs to expand, not retract, and we are going to look for ways to do that," Shank said.
Another item they discussed was the issue of a facility for the band at the high school.
"We have a very nice choir room; we do not have a band room," he said. "This creates issues at the junior high because of where sectionals are being taught, how everybody is brought together in the auditorium and all the problems that exist there. We are researching out some potential answers to that, but I have not met with the band director, so I don't want to be too specific with what those might be. We're looking towards some options that might improve that setting. In light of the fact that we won't be able to address that facility for awhile, we need something to meet those needs better."
|
