Teacher and community member warns board that proposed cuts would slash AP art and business access at Magnolia

Holly Kane, introduced as a public commenter, told the Webster County Board of Education she opposed planned staffing reductions that would cut full-time art and business positions at Magnolia. "Magnolia has more than twice the number of students as Valley... Eliminating one position does not remove redundancy. It removes access," Kane said, warning that the proposed reductions would shrink course offerings and opportunities for students.

Kane cited district enrollment figures and program history to support her appeal: she said Magnolia has about 345 students to Valley's 163, noted three art positions were on the recommendation list and said AP art is rare in the state (she counted 26–28 high schools offering AP art depending on the year). She told the board that business education at Magnolia currently covers six different courses and that reducing staffing to a half-time position would make delivering those courses "almost impossible."

Kane framed the board's role as the "voice of the people," saying the superintendent's agenda reflects a recommendation and not a requirement, and reminded members they could choose not to advance it. She also said her post on the topic had been widely shared in the community, indicating public interest in preserving those positions.

The board did not immediately act on her remarks; later in the meeting the board held an executive session for personnel matters and voted on individual transfer recommendations.