The idea of an arts based charter school is taking shape. Monday night the Eau Claire Area School Board approved moving forward with a grant application.

Former school teacher Jo Ellen Burke proposed the idea of the art charter school. She wants to create a charter school to cater to kids with special learning needs that could thrive in an arts-based community. If approved, it could happen as soon as the fall of 2011.

The school board also heard from several people about the possible decision to move one of the Memorial Band directors, Bruce Hering to North High School. The superintendent says opinions from the public tonight were mixed. Dr. Ron Heilmann says the district has to make a staff cut and the board has to abide by the teacher contract and seniority may play a role in which band director is affected. The board went into closed session to discuss contract issues.