Save the Arts!

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Save Art in the Coxsackie-Athens School District !

Major cuts are being proposed in Coxsackie-Athens Schools. Sadly, this will effect the Arts - specifically a devastating cut in the Elementary Art program.

During the March 1 School Board Meeting, Interim Superintendent Annemarie Barkman proposed reductions in a substantial number of positions throughout the district. These cut positions not only include the E J Arthur Elementary Art Teacher (which will also affect Coxsackie's Elementary Art program), but also include:

•   The E J Arthur Library Assistant, who is currently the ONLY Library position left within this school. Cutting this position could potentially cut the E J Arthur Library program entirely.
•   The High School French Teacher, cutting the entire French program from the district.
•   Various other Part Time positions, ultimately affecting class sizes in General Elementary Education and High School Math, Science, Social Studies, etc.

Annemarie Barkman is currently contracted to the district for only SIX MONTHS. During this time, in which she is paid $550 a day, she proposes cuts that will effect the district long term. These cuts will greatly effect the quality of education at all levels.

At E J Arthur, the Athens Elementary School, students have shined through a variety of Art led programs. These programs have provided a sense of community action and involvement, pride in one's work, and creativity for many students. The E J Arthur Art Department cooperates with the Town of Athens and the Athens Cultural Center to complete the Holiday Window displays, pumpkins for the Athens Pumpkin Parade, and other community projects. Artwork from students at E J Arthur has been showcased at The Hudson Opera House and the Columbia Greene Community College K-12 Art Show, currently showing at CGCC. The school's PTO has called upon the E J Arthur Art Department for help in fundraising efforts and other projects. All of these programs and projects are subject to loss if the proposed cuts are carried out.

If you are opposed to losing out on valuable teachers and education services for this community, please attend the March 15 School Board Meeting or write a letter to:

The Coxsackie-Athens School District

Attn: Superintendent & School Board of Education

24 Sunset Boulevard Coxsackie, NY 12051

More information on the C-A District can be found at: www.coxsackie-athens.org