He supports Arts in the public school system. He will not consider hiring arts coordinator. He will support putting arts into the curriculum. He also mentioned a plan to make Rickard a magnet school for the arts. Main remark was that subject area supervisors will be eliminated, with a move toward school based management.
Emphasis is on middle school level.
Interest in developing magnet school programs. Thinks a string program will be placed in Lincoln and feeder schools. It is clear the coalition needs to rethink the objective regarding lobbying for an Arts coordinator position. Mission, goals, student data presented. Merrick spoke at length about his vision of Arts in Leon County Schools.