“I urge all PMTA members to read the links below to become more informed about the possible future of arts education in Pennsylvania. The first link is to a report released to the state legislature on March 14 by the Education Policy Leadership Center (EPLC) regarding the Arts and Education Initiative (AIE).The second link is to a press release. The report makes a strong case for the arts and why arts education is important.”

• Creating Pennsylvania’s Future Through the Arts and Education (pdf)
• Statewide Report Calls for Increased Arts Learning Opportunities in PA Schools and Communities, Offers Policy Recommendations

Quoting Scott Sheehan, president of PMEA

“During the past year, the EPLC conducted the AEI study to investigate current state policies that impact the arts and arts education and to solicit input from a variety of arts organizations and arts education stakeholders. Through this study they developed a series of recommendations regarding the future of the arts and arts education in Pennsylvania. The study was supported with grants from the Heinz Endowments, the William Penn Foundation, and the Buhl Foundation and was aimed to paint a broad picture of how policy makers at various levels, along with state agencies, arts organizations, arts education organizations, and arts educators should work to develop a more creative citizenry throughout the Commonwealth.”

The focus of this revision is the restructuring of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, specifically:

• Eliminate reference to 2nd VP/Conference Chair and all references to responsibilities associated with that officer position. The Conference Chair has been made a Board of Directors position rather than part of the Executive Committee.
• Eliminate the Immediate Past-President/Representative-at-Large position all references to responsibilities associated with that officer position and all reference to responsibilities. It has been a non-functioning position.
• Rename the “First Vice President position” to “Vice-President,” and define associated responsibilities.
• Revise Board of Directors to include Conference Chair, and eliminate non-essential or non-functioning chairs.
• Redefine a quorum for meetings to allow more flexibility.
• Redefine the audit process.

Voting ballot will be included on your conference registration form.

If you are not attending conference, you can still postal mail your ballot to the PMTA President.

Click here to download the complete bylaws changes.