The Georgia Department of Education announced on June 1 that it created a new fine arts specialist position. The fine arts specialist will focus on the disciplines of music, dance, theatre and visual arts and will provide assistance for fine arts staff throughout Georgia’s school districts.

State Superintendent Richard Woods supported the creation of the new position and commented that he believes “education is more than traditional subjects” and that “fine arts will keep more students in school through graduation.” Woods also announced that Jessica Booth has been named as Georgia’s new fine arts specialist. Booth previously served as the director of fine arts for the Atlanta Public Schools district.