Richardson ISD highlights arts, mariachi and athletics growth in April work session

The Richardson Independent School District Board of Trustees heard an update on arts and athletics participation and program expansions during its April work session, with district staff reporting rising student involvement, higher average grades and attendance among participants, and plans to expand offerings such as mariachi and dance.

District staff framed the presentation as part celebration and part data review. A district presenter told the board that arts participation reached thousands of students: "4687 students that are being impacted by the arts" at one level of grades and a broader figure later in the presentation of "7430 students are impacted by the arts." The presenter also said student participants generally posted better academic outcomes: participants’ average grade was reported as 89.6% versus 86.8% for nonparticipants; attendance was cited as about 93% for participants versus 89%…