Adrienne Konigar-Macklin

2009 ARTS EDUCATION CANDIDATE SURVEY
Candidate: Adrienne Konigar-Macklin	Email: akmacklin4schoolboard@hotmail.com
District: Pomona USD	Website: akmacklin4kids.org
1.
Your district has embarked on a ten-year initiative to restore meaningful sequential arts education back into its core curriculum. What do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of the plan?	The plan takes into consideration that the arts are an important aspect of our society and our children should have exposure to as many genre as possible. The funding from the state is insufficient to allow expansion.
2.
If you are not familiar with the plan, what do you think your district can and should do to make this work more visible?	Partner with other organizations, introduce the arts more fully to all children.
3.
What role do you think the arts can play in supporting key priorities of the district such as reducing the dropout rate, closing the achievement gap, and preparing more students for college eligibility?	The arts promote expression and creativity. Art can serve as an outlet and career path for students who are non-traditional learners and serve as a basis to stay in school and focus on a talent.
4.
In light of the current budget crisis, the state is now allowing local school districts flexibility to redirect their allocation from the “art and music block grant” to fund other local priorities. How would you balance the need to invest in arts education with the other financial challenges facing your district?	I would look at the programs within the District and attempt to allocate funding to all after having focused discussions on the needs of each. Secure private funding and partnerships.
5.
Did you have meaningful experiences with art (visual, dance, drama, music) growing up? Please tell us about that experience.	Yes. I was a member of a dance group. We traveled, so as an inner city student I got to experience a different world of possibilities.
6.
Please take a moment to include any additional comments.	I am a patron of the arts. I cannot envision a life without the arts. Children have a natural creativity and we should do everything possible to encourage them to express themselves and share theri talents with others. But we have to support them and see the Arts as a true part of the academic and educational process.

For more information about arts education, please visit the following websites: L.A.U.S.D. Arts Education Information Arts for All: LA County Regional Blueprint for Arts Education California Alliance for Arts Education Arts for LA Arts for LA is a 501(c)(3) arts advocacy organization working to foster a healthy environment in which the arts and culture may thrive and be accessible to all in Los Angeles County. The objective of this survey is to help inform candidates as well as community stakeholders about arts education related issues. It is not an endorsement of any one candidate.