State Senate Education Committee Chairman Mike Chaney got alittle Christmas card help Wednesday while touring the MississippiSchool of the Arts.

But some fear the school could end up with little more than coaland ashes when the Legislature reconvenes after the holidayseason.

Chaney chose visual arts student Yinessa Cacapit’s design forhis personal Christmas cards this year. The colorful designfeatured four children of different races praying together beforebedtime.

“I like that. It’s got everything,” Chaney said.

Cacapit, of Meridian, was excited about the senator’s impromptudecision.

“Really?” asked Cacapit, who left to get parental approval andother information needed to allow the senator to use thedesign.

Chaney, along with District 39 Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and MSAExecutive Director Dr. Vicki Bodenhamer, toured the school afterattending a Brookhaven Kiwanis Club meeting. House EducationCommittee Chairman Randy “Bubba” Pierce was invited to the meetingbut was unable to attend.

Club members heard a vocal presentation by MSA choral studentsand viewed a new DVD about the arts school.

Bodenhamer said there was standing room only in LamptonAuditorium over the weekend for a parent day and open house. Thedirector has said the school has more than 1,500 names on itsprospective student list.

“We’re looking for a wonderful applicant pool,” Bodenhamer said.”We’re looking forward to the upcoming school year.”

Later at the school, Chaney marveled at the MSA students’ artwork. Commenting on another student’s Christmas card designfeaturing the familiar MasterCard cost comparisons, Chaney offeredhis take on the importance of MSA.

“… Keeping the arts school open: Priceless,” Chaney said.

While he considers the school priceless, Chaney and otherlawmakers will have to appropriate actual dollars during the 2005legislative session to keep it open.

“The key is to keep funding at a level where the school can atleast function,” said Chaney, who put that level at a minimum of$2.4 million. “That’s what the school needs to stay open.”

Chaney said he had heard the Legislative Budget Office’srecommendation for the school would be $2.2 million. The senatorsaid he believes House members share his sentiment for keeping theschool open and that adequate funding would be found.

Since its beginning, securing funding for the school has been astruggle. Compounding difficulties this year is a tight statebudget outlook, which could require service cuts or possible taxincreases.

For the arts school, one possibility discussed has been givignthe school charter status and charging tuition. Chaney said tuitionwould be on a sliding scale based on income.

“That’s down the road,” Chaney said. “The main thing is to keepthe school open.”

Another possibility that has been mentioned is having theUniversity of Southern Mississippi assume oversight of the artsschool. Chaney discounted that prospect, citing opposition from thestate Department of Education.

“The state department’s not in favor of that,” Chaney said. “Idon’t think it’s going to happen.”

Chaney also alluded to additional funds that the BrookhavenSchool District has received to teach MSA students core curriculumcourses. State funds were used in conjunction with bond issueproceeds to enlarge the BHS campus several years ago.

“Brookhaven has benefited in more ways than one with this schoolhere,” Chaney said.