Guest column: Planning for next year is underway

Published 12:00 am Saturday, February 1, 2003

School staff, administration and the school board continue to develop plans to utilize the $550,000 generated by question two of the referendum. Elementary teachers and principals are working to develop an all-day-every-day kindergarten program for the start of school next fall. They are also working on staffing plans to reduce class sizes for grades 4-6.

Secondary staff and principals recently presented plans to the board for restoring some of the elective and exploratory classes that were cut this school year.

While these plans are not finalized as of this writing, high school students should see more sections of core areas (math, science, social studies and English), and other elective classes. More core area sections and increased elective classes will reduce the number of required study halls for ninth- and tenth-grade students.

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Middle-school students will see some increased opportunities in the family consumer science and music areas, and a reduction in class sizes.

Central to most of these plans is the concept of more teacher time with students. Increased opportunities in course selection for students and fewer students in each class means more time for teachers to provide individual attention to students. This enhanced learning environment increases the opportunity for greater student achievement.

The district planning process is following the referendum information that was sent to district residents in October of this school year. The board and administration will hold very close to that information as a foundation for utilizing the $550,000 generated by the second question of the referendum. There have been questions from parents and staff about reducing student fees, restoring coaching positions, and other additions. The basic board response to these queries will likely be, &uot;if it was not a part of question two, it will probably not be funded at this time.&uot; The referendum information stated that for the 2003-04 school year the funds from the second question will be used to:

– Restore classes in math, science, social studies and English

– Restore some elective and exploratory classes at the middle school and high school, which will reduce the number of students that are forced to take study halls.

– Reduce class sizes for students in grades 4-6.

– Return busing guidelines to the one-mile rule for elementary students

– Restore the cross-country and dance-team programs

– Allow the development of an all-day-every-day kindergarten program.

The board/administration is committed to implementing these educational improvements for the 2003-2004 school year, but at the same time they are concerned about the state budget deficit. State funding for our schools greatly affects the programs that we offer our students. If state funding is much lower than expected our ability to carry these improvements for student learning into the future will be greatly impacted. We are very appreciative of the support shown by our community.

District 241 is an excellent school system that meets the needs of the full continuum of learners attending our schools. We share the expectations of the community that the Albert Lea Area Schools will continue to provide a quality learning environment and set high achievement expectations for our students.

Dave Prescott is superintendent of Albert Lea School District 241.