State funding will help several southern Illinois school districts preserve arts and foreign language programs.
The Illinois State Board of Education is providing nearly $900,000 in grants. The money will hep supplement local programs which some people might call "extras" such as arts and foreign language offerings.
Among those receiving grants is Sesser-Valier Community Unit School District #196. It's getting just over $70,000 to help provide High School Spanish. Superintendent Jason Henry says the money will allow Sesser-Valier High School to begin offering foreign language for the first time in two years. He says budget cuts forced its elimination. Henry says they want their students to be able to meet the high school foreign language standards that many universities require for admission.
Other southern Illinois schools receiving funding include the Meridian School district. It's getting $73,000 for Performing Arts. Anna will receive $14,500. Retired art teacher Paulette Aronson and soon-to-be retired music teacher Mary Beth Webster have taken on the role to decide where the money will go in the Anna district. Aronson says part of the money allows the students to go on field trips.
