During a recent Plano Independent School District (PISD) board meeting, officials presented an engaging report on student participation in fine arts and athletics, highlighting significant enrollment growth and program developments across the district.

Dr. Philip Morgan, the fine arts director, reported that a total of 40,891 students are currently enrolled in fine arts courses, representing approximately 89% of the student body. This includes 18,433 elementary students engaged in visual arts and music, with additional participation in theater and movement integrated into the curriculum. Notably, 6th-grade enrollment in visual arts and band has seen a marked increase, with band participation rising from 935 to 1,189 students.

In middle and high school programs, the report indicated a mixed trend. While some areas like orchestra and theater experienced slight declines, overall participation in fine arts remains robust, with 11,288 students in grades 6-8 and 11,160 in high school involved in various programs. The district has also achieved notable accolades, including recognition as a best community for music education for over two decades and multiple national awards for student ensembles.

Athletic director Lonnie Jordan followed with an overview of student engagement in sports, noting a total of 1,623 high school athletes participating in fall sports. While football numbers have increased, volleyball participation has decreased due to program unification, which has consolidated teams. Jordan emphasized the importance of character development and community pride through athletics, alongside academic achievements, with 468 students recognized as academic all-district athletes last year.

The meeting also addressed ongoing initiatives to enhance student safety during outdoor practices, particularly concerning heat management. The district has implemented a system utilizing meteorological data to ensure safe practice conditions, alongside the introduction of ice baths for athletes experiencing heat-related issues.

Board members expressed concerns regarding disparities in participation and achievement among different high schools, particularly in light of recent school closures. They emphasized the need for strategic planning to ensure equitable access to programs for all students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Overall, the meeting underscored PISD's commitment to fostering student engagement in both fine arts and athletics, while also addressing challenges and opportunities for improvement in program accessibility and equity.