Big Lake Schools chosen for statewide CAP music planning program
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Summary
District music staff told the board Big Lake is one of nine Minnesota districts selected for the Perpich Center–led Comprehensive Arts Planning (CAP) program; presenters said a three‑year strategic plan will begin implementation next year and return in April with more detail.
Big Lake Schools has been selected to participate in Minnesota’s Comprehensive Arts Planning (CAP) program, district music co‑chair Bree Hawkins told the school board.
“We are excited to be presenting on the CAP grant our music team has been working on this year,” Hawkins said, introducing herself and co‑chair Hannah Hermanson and noting students would perform as part of the presentation. Presenters said the district applied in January 2025 and received confirmation of selection later that spring; Big Lake is “one of only nine districts selected” statewide.
Presenters described CAP as a statewide initiative administered in partnership with the Perpich Center for Arts Education and the Minnesota Department of Education that helps districts design and implement comprehensive arts programs. The presenters referenced Minnesota statutes that govern the program and said CAP funds and technical assistance aim to support standards‑based curriculum, equity and access, professional development, facilities and equipment, partnerships with arts organizations, after‑school programming, funding and advocacy, and local arts‑planning committees.
Angling for sustainability, presenters said the district’s CAP work will follow a multiyear strategic trajectory. “During the initial planning phase this year, our team has conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to design a district‑wide three‑year arts education plan for formal adoption,” Hawkins said. She added implementation of year‑one work is scheduled to begin next year, with additional goals executed in years two and three and ongoing evaluation throughout the cycle.
The presenters asked the board to note the work and promised to return to an upcoming meeting in April with a specific outline of the proposed strategic plan.
Why it matters: CAP participation brings Perpich Center technical support and state appropriated resources to district arts planning, which the presenters said will fund professional development for teachers and help build continuity across grades. That could affect staffing priorities, curriculum adoption and future equipment or facility needs.
What’s next: Presenters (the CAP co‑chairs) said they will present the detailed strategic plan to the board in April.
