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Board approves Unified Art Club at Monticello Middle School to expand inclusive arts programming
Summary
The Monticello School Board approved a cost-neutral Unified Art Club for Monticello Middle School that will pair general-education and special-education students in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio; the motion passed 6–0.
The Monticello School Board voted 6–0 on Jan. 27 to approve a Unified Art Club at Monticello Middle School designed to bring general-education and special-education students together through collaborative art projects.
Superintendent Eric Olsen told the board the approved club fits the district’s academic and special-education continuum and that the program will start at the middle-school level with an eye to continuity into the high school. "The target audience of this Unified Art Club is helping students both in general education and students in special education, and helping them through collaboration and building relationships, using art as the medium," Olsen said.
Program details: Presenters said the club will operate cost-neutral to the district; staffing plans include a 1:1 or 1:2 general-education to special-education ratio for participating students. The district plans to place most new clubs through its community-education arm in the future, but staff recommended the Unified Art Club remain a school-based offering because of its academic and special-education components.
Board discussion was brief and favorable; several board members noted the program aligns with existing unified programs. The motion to approve the Unified Art Club was moved by Jeff Hegley and seconded by Mark Branson.
Implementation: District staff said they will return with any necessary operational details and will run the club as a cost-neutral offering at the middle school before creating a continuum to the high school.
