Board member urges study of dedicated performing-arts directors at high schools

Atkins read a proposal during unfinished business asking the board to consider reorganizing high-school extracurricular leadership to ensure performing arts receive the same coordination and support as athletics.

Atkins said research shows students involved in the arts have stronger engagement and attendance and argued that schools currently rely on teachers to shoulder coordination work on top of instructional duties. "I propose we consider refining our structure to better support both athletics and the arts, specifically by creating dedicated athletics director and a dedicated performing arts director role at each high school," she said. Atkins acknowledged budget constraints and recommended the board study organizational and staffing implications so the district would be ready if funding becomes available.

Board members did not take immediate action; Atkins asked for the proposal to be placed on a future agenda for study and for staff to evaluate organizational impacts and potential costs.

Next steps: the board will schedule further study rather than act at the session.