What is Project SOAR? How did it come into existence, and what is it seeking to accomplish? In spring of 1990 Dr. James Henderson, Superintendent of Schools, and the Board of Directors of the Oshkosh Education Endowment Fund (OEEF) authorized the formation of a Task Force to lay the ground-work for an Artist-in-Residence program for the Oshkosh Area public schools.  In the fall of 1990, this Task Force, consisting of nine members (Suzanne Doemel, Sue Grant, Geri Grine, Chrys Hyde, John Lenz, Shirley Lucas, Jens Rasmussen, Henry Timm, and Gladys Veidemanis), began meeting to draft a Statement of Philosophy and Guidelines for a program that was implemented in October of 1992, with funding provided by the OEEF. The Task Force identified four major tasks for Project SOAR: dissemination of information about available artists; funding of applications for residencies; proposal-writing assistance; and staff development. According to SOAR's philosophy statement, the term "artist" is defined as "any person in the discipline of fine arts, performing arts, science and mathematics professionally engaged in the creative and disciplined use of the imagination who can, in turn, involve students in a dialogue that results in their seeing the world in a more imaginative and creative way."   Most important, to be funded, any residency must guarantee a "hands-on" experience for students involving direct interaction with the artist.  To be approved, a suggested residency must also relate to the curriculum being taught and tie in with school improvement and effectiveness goals or with units and skills classes are working on. The maximum funding any school may receive in a given year is $2,000. In addition to its governing Board of Directors, Project SOAR is served by a Project SOAR Liaison Committee, consisting of one teacher and one parent from each school.  Members of this committee provide a vital link to the schools and exercise leadership in the development of residency applications. Project SOAR also is fortunate to work in cooperation with the Grand Opera House.  Each year the Grand books a few artists also willing to undertake a school residency.  Joi Brown, Executive Director of the Oshkosh Opera House Foundation, is an active member of the SOAR Board of Directors and has vigorously enabled an on-going collaboration.

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