by Barbara Kline

Superintendent/Principal,

Orcas School District

Many of you may know that the superintendent of the Orcas Island School District is automatically a member of the Orcas Center Board. This was established by the founders of the Orcas Center and demonstrates the close relationship that was envisioned between the school district and the center from the beginning. As an example of that close relationship, on Oct. 26 our students were treated to the very exciting production of Nanda, a martial arts and dance troupe, that the students thoroughly enjoyed.

That was only one of many artistic experiences that the Orcas Center has provided for students at no charge to the school. School and the center staff have also often worked together to obtain grants for special programming and events and to provide dance and theater instruction and other arts programming for students. In addition our students have opportunities to perform at the center through Orcas Center and community productions.

The Orcas Center has been a fabulous showcase for our students’ dance and musical talents and is the venue for the long standing student art show in May. As a member of the board I know that the last few years have been difficult financial ones for the Orcas Center as they have been for other island organizations. The Orcas Center is not a wealthy organization and ticket sales do not cover the cost of most performances. Memberships make up a large portion of the Orcas Center’s annual budget and this year, we are asking as many of us as possible to become “stars” and join or rejoin the center as members. As the superintendent, I am very happy to serve on the board of Orcas Center. As a community member, I am pleased to renew my membership once again at the Orcas Center and hope that you will do the same.