The district presented an update on K–12 visual and performing arts programs Wednesday, with Cultural Arts Director Kate Matthews saying enrollment and opportunities have expanded across buildings.

Matthews told the board that elementary before‑school band, chorus and orchestra programs have grown and that Claremont and Roosevelt programs are vigorous despite space constraints. She described a rise in musical‑theater and ensemble participation at AMD and said Ossining High School students continue to pursue AP and college‑level arts pathways; several recent graduates enrolled in competitive arts programs at SUNY Purchase, FIT and Queens College.

The nut graf: arts staff emphasized that expanded after‑school and elective offerings, the district’s long‑standing instrument‑loan program and partnerships with local cultural organizations are boosting access and giving students real‑world arts experiences.

Highlights: the director said the district’s free instrument program and small‑group lesson model are major strengths, and she noted the district was named a "best community for music education" by the relevant national organization multiple years running. The presentation described an E&L (English Learners) Summer Arts Academy that blends arts instruction with language supports and that awards a half‑credit for high‑school entrants; Matthews said the program has successfully helped newly enrolled students acclimate and earn credit.

Staff also reported that the middle‑school band and orchestra benefit when lessons are organized by instrument (homogeneous lesson groups), which improves targeted instruction and rehearsal quality. Matthews and board members discussed space constraints at Roosevelt and the high school’s busy auditorium schedule; several trustees said the 7–8 building and other bond projects will relieve current pressure.

Equity and access: Matthews said the district provides instruments for students who cannot afford them and partners with community organizations (Bethany Arts Community, Jacob Burns Film Center, NU Builds, Mike Risco Music Store) to broaden arts experiences. She said teachers are aligning curriculum K–12 to state standards and common vocabulary so students can discuss their art and music work more effectively.

Questions from trustees centered on club participation and participation by students with disabilities. Matthews said the district has grown before‑ and after‑school offerings but continues efforts to boost participation among 9th and 10th graders; she also noted specialized supports — including an in‑district music‑therapy relationship through Westchester Conservatory for students with more significant needs — that enable wider inclusion.

Ending: the board praised the arts team and encouraged continued efforts to increase participation and use community partnerships to expand opportunities for students while bond work aims to add dedicated spaces that will relieve current scheduling constraints.