The South Whidbey School District Board of Directors discussed the needs of each school and how to improve the district during a workshop on Wednesday, March 12.

Director and Board Chairwoman Linda Racicot asked to begin a conversation about resurrecting the arts program in the future.

The district currently has one art teacher at the high school and supplements art education with an artist-in-residence program, which invites working artists to cover art in class.

Armed with several pages of quotes about the importance of art in education, Racicot said the district is at a place to begin discussing the program again.

“It’s a part of basic education,” she said. “Art in this community is important.”

Superintendent Jo Moccia said the board will continue the discussion in the coming months as the directors review resources with staff and budget options this spring.

Moccia said the district continues to enhance art programs, including the music program this year. She said the district is in a more confident position to bring back the arts than in previous years.