Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board recognizes Melissa Stets and student artists; Stets flags staffing and budget limits for arts programs
Summary
Melissa Stets thanked the board for support, highlighted district art achievements and a K–12 scholarship that has awarded more than $36,000 since 2009, and urged attention to staffing shortages that limit advanced offerings in high‑school art.
The board recognized Melissa Stets in a ceremonial presentation in which elementary and secondary students presented artwork and note cards to individual trustees.
Stets used her remarks to review district art achievements — library shows at the Noble and Brewerton branches, the Oswego County Student Art Competition, Scholastic Art Awards, a congressional art competition selection, and a new CNY Art Guild senior showcase. "I just wanted to share... how much my job here has meant and my ability to share what I love with you," Stets told the board. She also described a K–12 scholarship program the arts program started in 2009 and said it has awarded over $36,000 to seniors furthering their visual-arts education.
During her remarks Stets also raised program constraints: elementary art teachers are split across large caseloads (she cited teachers who each serve "over 600 kids" in split positions and a six-day rotation), and attrition at the high school has left the department short-staffed, limiting advanced course offerings. "Money is always an issue," she said, and urged the board not to forget the classroom workload and the volunteer and internship opportunities that support the program.
Board members thanked Stets and the student presenters; the chair invited attendees to a brief cake break and welcomed the community’s recognition of the arts program.
