Elementary art teachers urge board to support arts ahead of operating levy vote

Two Lakeville elementary art teachers told the Lakeville Area School Board on April 22 that an expiring operating levy could eliminate elementary art, band and technology programs if voters do not approve replacement funding in November.

Sherry Mitchell, an elementary art teacher at Lakeview Elementary, said the operating levy underpins the elementary art program and that the department serves nine elementary schools with a staff of eight. “If the operating levy does not pass, the elementary department will be gone,” Mitchell said, adding that in 2008 the program had been disbanded and the elementary art standards were reassigned to classroom teachers. She described art classes as spaces where students “feel like they belong” and develop creativity and confidence.

Jamie Mueller, art teacher at Cherry View Elementary, described art class as a place where students “experiment with materials, find our voice, learn from our mistakes and persevere.” Mueller said students report that art is calming, reduces stress and builds confidence, and invited the board and community to Cherry View’s Fine Arts Night on May 8.

Board Chair explained public comment rules at the start of the session, noting that complaints about staff or students are not appropriate for public comment under data-privacy rules and that the administration will follow up on concerns raised in public comment if necessary. No formal board action was taken during the public-comment period.

Both speakers framed their remarks around the upcoming operating levy renewal and urged the board to ensure district communications and community outreach explain what the levy supports. The board did not vote on levy measures at the meeting; the comments were recorded as public input to inform future administration follow-up.