City schools deserve praise for arts efforts

By Matt McMullan

Published: May 28, 2008

I was happy to read in a Daily Progress article (“Planning complete; charter school ready for 2008,” May 21) and editorial (“New school, new approach,” may 26) that the public charter school, with an emphasis on the arts, has found a home in the Albemarle County schools. 

I was not pleased, however, with the analysis of why the Charlottesville City school system did not approve the proposal for the arts school several years ago when it was presented there. I attended many meetings during which the Charlottesville City School Board carefully listened to the proposal for the arts school. Its discussion regarding the possible school was thoughtful and relevant.

The Charlottesville City schools have an ongoing and general commitment to the arts. They also already tolerate and encourage diversity and creativity among the student body. While it is exciting that the Albemarle County school system is opening a special school for the arts, it is wrong to suggest that the Charlottesville City School Board made a bad decision when it turned down the proposal.

Beth Kariel
Charlottesville