Adrian Public Schools selects Michelle Force, Emily Gifford to lead fine arts program
ADRIAN — In looking to fill its new fine arts coordinator position, Adrian Public Schools found it had two in-house candidates who could provide leadership of the district's fine arts programs.
The Adrian school board will be asked to approve Michelle Force as fine arts coordinator and Emily Gifford to manage the Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center as well as be a substitute teacher in the district, Superintendent Nate Park said in a news release.
Creating a fine arts coordinator position was part of the district's PlayBill strategic plan for its fine arts programs. The plan envisioned that person would manage the district’s performing arts center, guide fine arts curriculum and instruction in the district, and support teachers with professional development to maintain the cohesiveness of the K-12 arts program, the release said.
Through an interview process, it became clear that Force and Gifford would provide Adrian with the leadership needed to carry out and execute the strategic plan, the release said.
Force is currently employed as a vocal teacher at Springbrook Middle School. She will assume the role of fine arts coordinator, the release said, while still teaching a partial day at the middle school.
Gifford has been involved in Adrian's fine arts department for several years. She has directed, coordinated and designed many Adrian Public Schools plays and musicals as well as managed the theater.
Jenny Engle, Adrian Schools Education Foundation director and an interview committee member, said she is thrilled now that the district has filled the fine arts coordinator and theater manager positions.
“Michelle and Emily, along with Annie Howard continuing in her current role supporting the arts, bring strengths and experiences that will complement each other and engage students throughout the district,” she said in the release. “I believe all will be instrumental in carrying out initiatives identified during strategic planning. The fine arts have been a focus for the Adrian Schools Educational Foundation throughout our 35-year history. Having effective leadership in these positions will ensure continued growth and opportunities for all students.”
Force has been an Adrian Public Schools teacher since January 2017. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in music education. She directed the Springbrook Middle School musical for the 2021-22 school year. She also took an active role in staffing, developing and designing the middle school musical. Force has extensive experience and knowledge of Michigan state standards for arts education, the release said.
“It is an honor to work for a district that upholds fine arts as a core priority, and to be part of a team of colleagues committed to fulfilling the mission of ‘Arts for All’ at Adrian Public Schools,” Force said in the release. “I look forward to enhancing our K-12 fine arts programs throughout the year and advancing inclusive opportunities for students both at school and within the community.”
Gifford has a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and speech communication from Siena Heights University.
“Our fine arts programs have tremendous momentum right now," Gifford said in the release. “Through more inclusive, accessible and collaborative opportunities, our students will be able to have unparalleled experiences through our Arts for All initiatives. This position will allow us to launch afterschool and summer programs.”
Force is married to Adrian alumnus Chuck Force and is the mother of two Adrian graduates. Gifford, an Adrian alumna, lives and resides in Adrian and has two children attending Adrian Public Schools.
Earlier this month, the district added a strength and conditioning coordinator to support its student-athletes and also added positions for mental health professionals at each of its buildings.
“Like the recent hires of mental health professionals and the strength and conditioning coordinator, these positions are about student engagement,” Parker said. “Our teachers have never worked harder or smarter to engage students. Frankly, the work they do every day to motivate and inspire students is heroic. The bottom line is that we still have too many students not engaging in school. It is our job to address that challenge head-on. We are going to follow the research and data that demonstrates students involved in the arts and athletics are more successful academically and in their post-secondary pursuits.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Adrian Public Schools selects 2 to lead fine arts program
