Parkland School District Director of Visual and Performing Arts Mark Stutz congratulated the school board for receiving the 2014 Arts Education School Board Leadership Award Oct. 2 from the Pennsylvania Arts Education Network.

At the Oct. 21 meeting, Stutz said the school board was recognized for showing great leadership in developing kindergarten through grade 12 music, dance, theater and visual arts curricula, as well as providing financial support for sustaining and expanding the arts programs.

Stutz said Parkland was commended for developing partnerships with local businesses and organizations to foster community interest in the arts.

These efforts culminate in the annual Parkland Festival of the Arts, a community event each May on the high school campus, Stutz explained

"The award honors all of the dedicated art and music faculty along with the theater directors and dance coaches who work with our talented K-12 students on a daily basis," Stutz said. "On behalf of all the faculty, staff and most importantly the student body of Parkland School District, I want to congratulate the board of school directors on receiving this award and for their unswaying support of the arts."