FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Florence One has announced a new multi-million dollar initiative to improve arts education.
During the next year, the district will invest a total of $3 million in the program. $1.3 will go toward auditorium renovations at the three high schools (West Florence, South Florence and Wilson), $450,000 will fund instrument replacements, $450,000 will be spent on new art supplies, and $400,000 will go toward hiring 10 new teachers.
Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley tells News13 some of the money is coming from the current school district budget and some of it is left over from last year.
“It’s coming from various different sources. The most important part is, we took a look at our budget and said: ‘How can we redefine our budget to say more of it’s going to the classroom?’ he said. “And I think that’s sort of our motto. You know, students first. And our budget should reflect that we’re putting students first. And I think this is a really good way to show that we’re putting our money into the classrooms and into our students right away.”
Wilson High School is slated for the first auditorium renovation. Dr. O’Malley says the renovation will include new carpeting, new seating, and upgrades to the sound system.
News13 spoke with senior art students at Wilson High. Although they won’t be at the school next year to reap the benefits of the investment, they say they’re excited that the younger students won’t have to go through the same technical issues and hassles they experienced on stage.
“Things just malfunctioning. It’s been a day before the show, speakers haven’t been working right, risers have been shaking,” said Jayden Smith.
According to Hanna Ward, many of the auditorium seats are broken.
“So, a lot of people were sitting on the floor. It’s just kind of unfortunate when you see a show, you have to sit on the floor to watch it,” she said.
Students and teachers also say they’re looking forward to getting new instruments. The school’s band instructor, Jarrod Deas, says the school has been using the same instruments since 1982. He says many of them have dents in them and don’t produce quality sound. He says he thinks his students would feel more confident playing on newer instruments.
“I think it’s a testament of the kids being able to put on such great performances playing on subpar instruments,” he said. “I think the initiative is great because we’ll get some upgrades on some new instruments and I think the kids will feel a lot better playing on new instruments.”
The school district hopes by having a new state-of-the-art arts program at all schools, students will be more successful and have a more well-rounded education.
“Studies show that students who are involved in the arts do become more successful in standardized testing. The arts teach students things such as discipline and work ethic,” Deas said.
Senior J.T. Carroll says he believes fine arts can improve students’ academic and personal lives.
“Music inspires people. Once you’re inspired, you’re willing to learn and educate yourself,” he said. “When I go home and I’m stressed out about school, I don’t go home and study. I go to music.”
Florence One will also add AP graphic arts and music classes and will allocate money to pay for regional and national competitions.
