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District launches arts study and eyes teacher-on‑special‑assignment to coordinate visual and performing arts
Summary
District staff outlined an arts curriculum study and said one likely recommendation will be a half‑time teacher‑on‑special‑assignment (TOSA) for arts coordination; staffing and enrollment projections were also presented.
Perkiomen Valley School District administrators outlined an arts‑program study and said they may recommend creating a half‑time teacher‑on‑special‑assignment (TOSA) to coordinate visual and performing arts across buildings.
Natalie Harenko, humanities supervisor (referenced by staff presenter), is leading a district arts review intended to examine pathways from K–12 arts participation to post‑secondary opportunities and to identify causes of participation declines noted in district data. The study includes student and parent focus groups and meetings with arts professionals; the district expects recommendations to the board in May.
Mr. Mitchell (education staff presenter) said one option under consideration is a halftime TOSA who would coordinate curricula alignment, professional development and community outreach, similar in role to the district’s athletic coordination. The district said the TOSA would be filled by reassigning existing staff rather than adding a new full-time position; administration stated a special-education position would most likely be reallocated to fund the halftime arts coordinator, so staff said they do not expect a net increase in staffing costs from the reallocation.
Board members asked about certification and the candidate pool for a TOSA. One director said she expected any candidate to hold a teaching certificate in a relevant arts area (visual or performing arts) and for the district to run an application process to identify qualified applicants. Board members also asked how the halftime vacancy would be covered within affected departments; administrators said they would review applicants and staffing adjustments as part of the implementation plan.
At the same time, the district presented staffing and enrollment projections for next year. Administrators projected small net enrollment decreases across elementary and middle levels and said proposed staffing changes (including a previously approved athletic trainer and cafeteria monitors) had already been reflected in the staffing plan. The district said it remains ready to adjust staffing based on final enrollment figures and ongoing budget review.
No board action was taken on the arts study or a TOSA at the April 7 meeting; staff said further recommendations will come after completion of focus groups and analysis.
