Public pleads for school district arts education

Math has been a top priority for La Conner Schools, with the district adopting new K-12 curricula designed to engage students and improve standardized test scores.

Students, teachers, parents and community members now want the same emphasis given to the arts.

Concerned that likely spending cuts, primarily linked to declining student enrollment, could lead to reduced learning opportunities in music, drama and related subjects, supporters of arts education urged the school board Jan. 23 to spare those programs.

Several pleas were emotional.

La Conner High alum Parker Rivas praised his school art...