A Syracuse native who runs a nonprofit education program proposed deploying murals and exterior artwork at city schools to encourage attendance and student engagement.

Deborah Little told the Public Art Commission she works with students with chronic absenteeism and low achievement and described exterior school walls as "a huge canvas" for visible motivational messages and imagery. "What's the vision for your life?" Little said she asks her students; she argued that consistent, positive exterior messages could support the educational work she is doing inside schools.

Little described a planned meeting with the Syracuse City School District superintendent (noted in the meeting as scheduled for Oct. 29) to present the idea and said she had already walked Lincoln Middle School and identified long, blank brick walls that could be painted or wrapped with durable panels. She said her nonprofit works in 10 city schools this year (five middle schools and five high schools) and proposed piloting murals at one school at a time, with students participating in finishing touches.

Commissioners and members of the public suggested practical supports: easy-to-install vinyl quotes for interior hallways, student involvement in painting when safe and feasible, and connections to local art teachers and programs, including Nottingham High School's new public-art program and a teacher named Cecily who has begun developing student mural work. Commission members offered to connect Little with city contacts and possible materials support.

Why it matters: Little framed the project as an educational intervention as well as a beautification effort, saying visible, school-based artwork can reinforce attendance incentives, celebrate local history and create student ownership of school spaces. No formal funding or commission action was taken; commissioners said they will follow up to explore partnerships and logistics.

Ending: Little was invited to return and to meet with commission members and school officials to develop a pilot scope, site plan and potential funding sources.