Special Meeting/Workshop

1. Call to Order: 3:30 p.m.
2. Public Comments: None
3. New School Sites in Wellington
   Minutes: Thomas Wenham, Mayor of Wellington, provided a brief summary of the issues the Village of Wellington would like to discuss today, which included: the new school site in the equestrian area; school funding issues; and funding equity.
   
   Councilwoman Cohen stressed her concerns with the building of the new school site in the equestrian area.
   
   Councilman Priore requested clarification on the District's land banking procedures.
   
   Councilwoman Benacquisto questioned the amount of acres that are needed in order to build an elementary school.
   
   Mr. Graham suggested staff provide specifications that the District uses to Council Members to be used in future joint ventures.
   
   
4. Economic Diversity Policy
   Minutes: Councilman Priore questioned the District’s plan for socio-economic diversity in the new middle school, which will bring students from Olympia and River Walk.
   
   Dr. Johnson explained the need for socio-economic diversity in schools and reviewed the procedures of the Attendance Boundary Committee.
   
   Vice Mayor Margolis stressed the desire for residents of Wellington to have their children attend schools in their community.
   
   Mr. Sanches summarized the District's boundary setting process.
   
   
5. School Funding
   Minutes: Councilwoman Benacquisto stated her concerns with students who have reading problems in middle and high schools and asked that the District partner with the Village of Wellington to bring in special programs to assist with this issue.
   
   Dr. Johnson reviewed the state requirements for serving L1 and L2 students.
   
   Councilwoman Cohen suggested the District match the funds the Village Council provided to schools in Wellington.
   
   Dr. Johnson explained the equity issue that would be violated if the District were to match funds with the Village Council.
   
   Mr. Moore reviewed the tax calculation that is set by the state and summarized the school allocation formula.
   
   Dr. Johnson reviewed the procedures for allocating Title I funding.
   
   
6. Other Issues
   Minutes: Mr. Graham suggested implementing a Science/Veterinary magnet program to coincide with the equestrian academy.
   
   
7. Adjourn: 4:45 p.m.