The April 13, District 302 board meeting started out with plenty of public comments, aimed at changes for next year.  Although not voted on during the meeting, both the art budget and the percussions of the changes to the high school weight lifting rooms were brought up during public comments.

KHS Principal Jill Maras, spoke about the two topics during the comments. Maras stated that the weight lifting equipment will be relocated to the current wrestling room, along with the current east lifting room, in order to create maximum usage. She also added that administration is aware of the absence of air condition in the proposed rooms, and would look into it if funds are available.

Because of the proposed weight room location, the relocation of the wrestling room is now in question, and the proposed spot is the east gym balcony.  Community member Norma Strang strongly opposed the loss of the current wrestling room.

“This is akin to tennis players practicing in the parking lot,” Strang said.

Jim Gussman also opposed the change citing that a size reduction could pose safety issues.

Maras also spoke about budget cuts to the art department.  She stated that the art program is one the district can be proud of, but there is no longer enough students to require the employment of two art teachers at the high school.  Maras added that in future years she hopes the high school program can return to multiple teachers.

Middle school art teacher Suzanne Farr had very strong feelings about the cuts. She presented the board with many reasons on why their decision wasn’t “educationally sound”.

“This creates an increase in class sizes, and the cancellation of advanced level art. Is that educationally sound?” Farr said.

Multiple high school students also added their input.  Senior Alexis Logan stated that it is very sad to see opportunities lost. Senior Chuck Liss presented a petition with 256 signatures, opposed to the cuts.  The petition collected 20 percent of the school population in three days.  He mentioned that the cuts would not fulfill the school mission statement.