The Arts are our most direct form of expression. They offer us the opportunity to learn not only more about ourselves, but about the world around us. North High’s theater department has been successfully run by Mark Rixner for the past twelve and a half years. Rixner has dedicated much time and effort (and some would even argue sanity) in order to make NHS Theater Arts the best it can possibly be. The program often finds ways to involve the community by doing plays that allow students from feeder schools (such as Harding and Findley) to audition and perform alongside North’s very own students. Recently Rixner’s position as a full time instructor has been threatened to be cut down to part time as it has been deemed an “excess” by the administration. If he is demoted to part-time, the program itself will suffer immensely – and his current students along with it. Please sign this petition in support of the man who has strived to make North High Theater Arts as remarkable as it is today. Along with signing this petition, write a letter to the Des Moines Public School board to express your opinion on cutting the arts and attending the meeting on Tuesday (6PM) at 1800 Grand Avenue in Des Moines.

Thank you for your support and spread the word,

North Side Community