CRAWFORDVILLE, FL — Wakulla County Schools is proudly expanding access to the arts for its youngest learners by adding an additional art and/or music educator to each of the district’s four elementary schools beginning in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
The announcement was first shared by Superintendent Rick Myhre during the district’s annual Celebration of the Arts event, where students across all grade levels gathered with families and staff to showcase their creativity and talent.
With this expansion, each elementary school will now have dedicated art and music educators on campus, allowing for more consistent and continuous access to the arts throughout the school year.
For Wakulla County Schools, this marks a significant step forward in strengthening arts education. Previously, art and music instruction was shared across schools, with teachers splitting the school year between campuses. Returning to year-round access to arts instruction across all campuses, for the first time since 2008, ensures that students have more regular opportunities to engage in creative learning, rather than experiencing arts instruction for only part of the year.
The addition of these positions reflects the district’s continued commitment to responsible financial planning and prioritizing student opportunities. As enrollment in Wakulla County Schools has grown, strong fiscal stewardship has allowed the district to expand access to the arts at the elementary level.
“Wakulla County Schools are proud to provide an outstanding quality of product in every regard. Our top-ranking academic outcomes are often a product of a comprehensive system of extracurriculars, which keep students engaged and motivated in school. As a Superintendent, I’m not only proud of our athletic programs, but of our Band and Theatre programs, which are recognized as some of the best in the region as well. Thanks to the prudent financial leadership of our School Board, we can now return positions to our elementary school art and music programs, where it all begins. So it is with great pleasure that we announced at the Celebration of the Arts that for the 2026-2027 school year all Wakulla Elementary Schools will return to full year art and music to assure students maintain and hone their skills throughout the year.”
For educators, the impact is already clear.
“We’ve seen several students find their success in these special areas, and it’s exciting that they’ll now have that stability and consistency of their ‘safe space’ year-round,” said Bethany Wells, who currently serves both Crawfordville and Medart Elementary Schools. “Without a doubt, you’ll see that success translates into their academics. It builds confidence, and that confidence carries over.”
From visual art to music and performance, arts education helps students develop critical thinking skills, collaboration, and self-expression—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Wakulla County Schools remains committed to providing equitable opportunities for all students, and this expansion ensures that every elementary school will benefit from strengthened arts programming.
About Wakulla County Schools
Wakulla County Schools serves over 5,500 students across four elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, as well as adult education and alternative pathway programs. Guided by the values of Rigor, Resiliency, and Relevance, the district is committed to preparing every student for success in college, career, and life. Rooted in community and focused on the future, Wakulla County Schools is dedicated to providing high-quality educational opportunities for all.
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