Elementary art, music & PE staffing

PSD elementary schools share plans for art, music, and PE in 2010

Poudre School District values art, music, and physical education (PE) as an important part of a well rounded education to meet the needs of all learners. As a district, we do our best to meet the needs of the “whole child” through classes and a variety of other ways throughout the school day.

“In today’s tough economic times, concerns are at times expressed regarding each school’s ability to offer art, music, and PE,” says Kevin Hahn, Ph.D., assistant superintendent of elementary schools. PSD would like to share with you information about art, music, and PE in each elementary school and how each school determines the amount of time and staffing allocated to these areas.

School building administration and site-based management

School principals are responsible for achieving the long- and short-range educational objectives of the school district to best enable students to meet or exceed district and state standards. All schools are responsible for teaching to the Colorado State Standards in all subject areas and allocate resources accordingly.

The elementary school principal obtains input from staff, parents, community members, and (when appropriate) students through a variety of forums, including but not limited to ad hoc committees, advisory councils, standing committees, surveys, and public meetings. The building principal, along with input from team members make programmatic and staffing decisions consistent with applicable laws, and district policies and regulations.

Student-based budgets

Each spring, schools are given the amount of students projected to attend their school in the fall. Based on this number, schools receive a budget that is called a student-based budget which takes into account multiple factors. From these budgets, the principal works with the school’s staff and site team to make decisions related to the allocation of teachers, support staff, and supply budgets for the school year. This is when decisions are made about how much/many resources to allocate to art, music, and PE in order for students to meet or exceed the standards in these subject areas.

School staffing information tables

Through this link you will find tables with school staffing information on art, music, and PE for each elementary school. The table is sorted in descending order by projected student numbers for 2010-11.

The information in the fulltime staff equivalent column shows what percent of a staffing unit is allocated to the subject. For example, 1.0 would equal a 100% fulltime person. A .8 would be a part-time or 80% staff member. Also included, is information on how many minutes of instructional time students will receive and how many days a week students will receive instruction in this area and other comments principals made to help clarify the information presented.

If you have questions about art, music, and PE staffing at a school, please contact the school principal.