Art department seeks standardized materials and unit revisions as high‑school enrollment falls

Michelle Bartell and Talia Bladel presented the art department’s evaluate‑phase findings to the Curriculum Committee. They said the department’s mission emphasizes inclusive art education to develop creativity, confidence and visual literacy across K–12 and that studio‑based, hands‑on learning is a program strength.

The team’s needs assessment found declining high‑school enrollment and inconsistent access to materials and facilities across buildings. "Enrollment has been declining as courses become more advanced or specialized," Bartell said, and the department documented a middle‑school participation rate that exceeds high‑school participation. Presenters said budget constraints and inflation have limited the district’s ability to provide standardized materials, leaving teachers to adapt with unequal resources.

Recommended next steps included moving into develop/design to revise K–5 units and assessments (including the addition of grade five), further developing 6–8 units once the schedule is finalized, and revising 9–12 scope and offerings to preserve program viability amid lower enrollment.

Committee members praised the facilitators’ work and asked no substantive follow‑up questions at the meeting. The art team will continue to refine unit revisions and return with more specific design proposals for board and committee review.