Some Governor Mifflin art students traded oil and canvas for markers and poster board, for a protest outside Monday night's school board meeting. They were there to send a message about some proposed changes to the district's art program. WFMZ's Melissa Batulis reports.  Rob, tonight's gathering of students was prompted by the tentative budget for the upcoming school year. District officials say they're feeling the economic crunch just like everyone else. And they're trying to reshape spending rather than chisel away at staff and programs. 
REPORTER: At the heart of this rally seemed to be one teacher...Troy Burkhart...who Governor Mifflin Students say they adore. 
>> RANKIN: In all the students' eyes we are 100% losing one third of our teachers. Mr. Burkhart has been an inspiration. 
>> REPORTER: Under Governor Mifflin's proposed budget, Mr. Burkhart would move to the intermediate school, while another art teacher splits the day between the high school and middle school. 
>> WEISS: There will remain three teachers of art at the high school. One of those art teachers will teach two periods at the middle school. That's the difference. 
>> REPORTER: The other proposed difference would eliminate two periods of art classes. 
>> WEISS: This year there would be 17 or 18 periods per day, next year 16 or 17. 
>> REPORTER: Superintendent Dr. Mary Weiss says those changes preserve the curriculum and jobs. She calls the situation a blessing as the district itself faces dwindling revenue. 
>> WEISS: This year we've received more community members' input than since I've been here and the community was calling for a minimal tax increase, if any. 
>> REPORTER: But students see it from another perspective. 
>> TRUDNOWSKI: I'm worried about kids from younger grades not getting in and experiencing the things that I got to experience. 
>> SCHULTZ: I know it's hard with the recession going on, but I just think we can have cuts in other places other than the art department. 
>> The tentative budget also includes a .8 mil tax increase. The school board must have a final budget in place by June 30th.
Live in Shillington, Melissa Batulis, 69 News Berks Edition.

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