West Central School Board Reinstates Elementary Arts and Music Programs

In 2011, the West Central School Corporation was hit hard by funding cuts from the state and as a result, the school board had to make some staffing and course changes. Some of the programs cut included art and music at the elementary level. Superintendent Charles Mellon stated that the school board voted to reinstate those programs at the elementary school.

“The arts and music in the elementary and those programs were the only things that were taken away during those tough times,” said Mellon. “We are planning to add those programs. Really, we did not eliminate the elementary music, we just turned it into a half-time position. We hope to add some middle school programs to the vocal music side.”

He believes that the funding loss has hit a plateau and those programs can be brought back and help enrich the education options at the elementary school.

The West Central School Corporation has lost over $1 million in funding in the past couple of years due to the elimination of small school grants and other grants that helped keep the schools in good financial shape.