Parent group urges more arts access, recommends stipend increases and urges facility partnerships

A representative identified in the transcript as a PEA speaker addressed the board on Sept. 9, 2025, urging greater access to arts in elementary schools, a review of supplemental-pay stipends for extracurricular sponsors and caution about withdrawing school facilities from Parks and Recreation partnerships.

"It's been reliably proven time and again that access to arts and education provides a measurable boost in learning objectives and testing scores as well as social and emotional skills," the speaker said. He asked the division to explore hiring art instructors at the elementary level and working with community groups to expand after-school arts opportunities.

On policy GBCC (supplemental pay), the speaker asked the board to review pay stipends for sponsors of organizations such as DECA, FFA and robotics. The speaker said suggested stipends would align with VHSL compensations: $1,500 for sponsors and $800 for assistant sponsors or co-sponsors.

The speaker also warned that ending partnerships with Parks and Recreation for facility use would reduce access for children who cannot afford travel or private-team fees. He said Parks and Recreation registration can range from about $70 up to more than $200 for some programs and argued the schools’ nonprofit status and community role counsel continuing partnerships.

The remarks were delivered during the public presentations portion of the meeting and did not produce a recorded board action at that session.