There is a lot of misinformation out in
the community right now about our arts and technology program for next year. I
am reaching out to you at this time to share important information with you about this
matter.
It is true that there are some
unfortunate reductions anticipated next year for WHS as a result of some
budgetary problems that we find ourselves in. Thankfully, we have managed to
avoid budget problems for many years in the Laconia School District, but next
year we anticipate being in a very tight place -- requiring some difficult
decisions on the part of school and district administration, as well as your
elected school board. For some time at
WHS, we have enjoyed the benefit of full-time art, music, P.E, and computer
teachers. These teachers met with each class for at least one class a week. Due
to the number of classes at WHS, and the number of available teaching
opportunities for each WHS Specialist teacher, we were able to offer enrichment
and extension programs, beyond what was offered at ESS & PSS. These programs were of high-quality and
extremely beneficial for our students. However, when confronted with our
current budgetary climate and the need to make substantial cuts to our district
budget, it was ultimately determined that the 'extra' portion of the WHS
Specialists schedule could be cut to meet necessary budget reduction goals.
Other schools needed to sacrifice far more to meet the budget goals that we did
at WHS.
Please know that the arts and
technology education are an extremely important part of our student experience
at WHS, and that will not change. However, we will not be able to offer the
'extra' opportunities for enrichment and extension that we had in the past. Be assured that our school district
administration will make certain that we offer high-quality arts education
opportunities at WHS and across our district, no matter what -- the arts and
technology are critical to our district vision, goals and strategic plan.
Unfortunately, though, at this point in time (hopefully, just temporarily) we
do need to cut back our arts offerings a bit in order to meet necessary budget
challenges (however, students will still have art, music, and P.E once a week,
as usual).
Although the budget reductions will include scaling back our technology
education program significantly, between classroom teachers, our
library/media assistant, and Mrs. Plourde's ongoing involvement in our school
(although in a new, district-level role), we are confident that students at WHS
will continue to enjoy important 21st Century learning experiences, as we have
prided ourselves in over recent years.
As always, please feel free to contact me in the WHS Main Office at
524-8733, or by email (ddobe@laconiaschools.org), if you have any questions or
concerns about our school. Thank you,
and have a great summer!
