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Board Discussion Item - No Division Assigned

Title: Premier Programs or Flagship Schools - Benaim

Recommendation:

I would like the Board to direct the Superintendent to undertake a study/workshop as soon as possible for the funding of career academies and electives.  In the meantime, I would like the Board to reiterate its directive to the Superintendent to fund the programs at Dreyfoos in the spirit we first directed him – namely, to ensure that the teaching units for the program remain intact next year (05/06), at least to the same degree as this year (04/05).

Description:

Recently School Board workshops have addressed shortfalls in the continuation of programs at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.  The Foundation at that school has appropriated funds for a theater manager, magnet secretary, and bookkeeper.  A recent decision by the School Board to apply 100% of all AP funds to every high school, together with adjustments in the class size reduction logistics at Dreyfoos, has funded an additional five teaching units.  This still leaves the school two teaching units short.  I understand these positions are necessary to keep the arts programs intact.

A Board consensus at a workshop two weeks ago directed the Superintendent to use funds up to a limit of $300,000 from sources outside the school budget to preserve the programs at Dreyfoos.  Where Dreyfoos is concerned, I maintain that in view of the efforts gone to by all stakeholders (the Superintendent, the School District staff and the Dreyfoos parents); the Board needs to support the continuation of the programs at Dreyfoos in the spirit of its original consensus.  The Board needs to redirect the Superintendent to find the funds to make up the remaining shortfall.  This shortfall seems to be much less than the $300,000 thanks to the efforts of all involved

The larger question is, “How is the Board going to preserve programs at all our high schools where electives and career academies are concerned”?  These programs are dependent on continued seventh period and elective funding.  This District has invested millions of dollars in choice programs such as Dreyfoos and Suncoast and other career academies.  We stand to waste this money if we have to discontinue these programs due to a de-emphasis in state funding and state priorities for the arts and electives.

The AAA program is a design to direct District resources to our most at-risk schools and provide an opportunity for all students to take part in a rigorous and appropriate curriculum.  We must remember that our children at AAA schools are not the only children in need of our District resources and they are NOT the only children at-risk.  If we are going to have nationally recognized programs such as Dreyfoos and Suncoast and other career academies throughout the county, the Board must stand ready to support these programs. Many of the children at Dreyfoos would “fall through the cracks” just as the children at AAA schools, were it not for these programs and extra resources.   

Financial Impact:
N/A

For Additional Information, contact:
Wanda Morelli

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