Parents, students voice support of fine arts to school board
Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler “cleared the air” about the arts programs in Madison City Schools at the April 26 board of education meeting.
“We don’t have an arts problem. We have a utilization problem … As we grew 350 students this year, the state cut 13 teaching units,” he said. Fowler dispelled rumors about cuts to choral programs at Bob Jones High School and Discovery and Liberty middle schools.
Several parents and students voiced their concerns. Parent Gianna Gimenez said music programs let the student “be a part of something greater than” individual potential. Discovery student Ali Grissom said she had learned responsibility in choir.
Anisa Graner and daughter Savannah Graner warned against middle school band directors teaching choral music. “I see many of you at ball games. I don’t see many of you at the concerts. Come out and really show us that you support the arts,” Anisa Graner said.
In staff reports, Marty Tartara said state inspectors gave outstanding reviews for cafeteria operations and commended Natasha Reeves and Horizon Elementary School’s nutrition staff for dedication and “warm and friendly” behavior.
Speak Up Surveys are feeding a new “dashboard.” Board member Connie Spears defined ‘dashboard’ as an online snapshot with images and graphs that show statistics on test scores and other details.
Tutoring in elementary schools has made progress on reaching Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT) goals, Jeanna Ross said.
In discussion of the 21st-century model classroom, Discovery teacher Courtney Morton said her students used Skype to converse with a book author. Anthony Graham’s students at Heritage Elementary School have pen pals with Arizona college students.
Bob Jones High School won the “Best Teacher Impact Video” award in the Digital Learning Day contest.
Attorney Woody Sanderson said the state legislature is debating an ethics bill that defines a ‘de minimus’ or acceptable teacher gift as less than $25. Board members oppose the school calendar bill that will reduce school attendance from 180 to 170 days.
The board approved math textbooks for all grade levels and purchases for James Clemens High School furniture, band uniforms and cafeteria supplies.
On May 14, Madison City Council will announce the board member to replace Dr. Terri Johnson.
