When schools are forced to make cuts, the arts are often the first to go, but some are trying to bring those programs back.
Josh Shearer started his teaching career at Century Unit District 100 in Pulaksi County as an art teacher - that program was cut 8 years ago.
Now as an art teacher in Anna, he says he wants to help bring those programs back to rural schools, citing the recent reforms to the school funding formula.
"Schools having budgetary troubles now will receive more money and they will be held accountable to start new programs with it, like art."
Shearer says students with access to art programs are more likely to finish their education and receive academic honors.
