By Staff Writer, Lissette Talledo

            Starting in September, the arts and physical education departments will undergo various improvements because of the Arts, Music, and Physical Education (P.E.) block grant passed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in part of the Budget Act of 2006. The grant will provide GUSD with $445,000 to the arts and $845,000 to P.E., which will be equally distributed to different high schools.

            Art teacher Mary Anna Pomonis said when the art department receives the money, it “will be funded for art supplies, equipment, instruments, and hiring of additional staff.” In addition, the amount of money that is left over will be utilized for field trips, display panels, and an art library.

            “With all that money, the possibilities of the amount of instruments purchased are incredible,” said Kurt Castro (’08).

            The P.E department on the other hand, will use their money for three top priority items: a cardiovascular health center, where the weight room currently is, a heart rate monitor, and a body composition analyzer. The health center will include an elliptical trainer, exercise bicycles, and treadmills which will cost $224,000.

            Principal Kevin Welsh said that the “amount of money is great, but I wish there could be more.”