Post by Wackford Sqeers on Jun 19, 2007 7:43:51 GMT -5
Superintendent outlines plans for extra state funds
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 06/19/07
BY NICK PETRUNCIO
FREEHOLD BUREAU
FREEHOLD — Schools Superintendent Elizabeth O'Connell on Monday outlined tentative plans for the extra $550,000 the state has promised the district.
O'Connell distributed what she called a working document in rough draft form containing recommendations formulated by her and an administrative team to the Board of Education at its regular meeting.
"We prioritized what our greatest needs are," O'Connell said.
The district is looking at spending the money, which would shore up about half of the $1.2 million the district is short, in the following ways. Here is the tentative plan:
$100,000 for the nearly depleted reserve.
$75,000 to reinstate three office assistants.
$75,000 for instructional supplies throughout the district's two elementary schools and one intermediate school.
$50,000 to reinstate an elementary school guidance counselor.
$50,000 toward the deficit.
$50,000 to reinstate a kindergarten teacher, likely in Park Avenue Elementary School.
$50,000 for special education.
$30,000 for technology and payroll.
$25,000 to reinstate one custodian.
$25,000 for building maintenance.
$15,000 for first- and second-grades state assessments, known as the NJ PASS tests.
$5,000 for the Gifted and Talented program.
Board President James Keelan remarked after the recommendations were read that $550,000 doesn't go far.
O'Connell agreed, saying that is true especially when the district is trying to allocate money between instructional purposes and making the financial situation better.
The state has only verbally promised the district the money, but it is expected to allocate the funds after it officially adopts the budget. That is expected to happen June 30.
Before the business portion of the meeting, which about a dozen parents attended, the Freehold Intermediate School cafeteria was packed with about 200 parents for the district's annual awards ceremony. O'Connell called this board meeting the best, happiest and most exciting one.
Approximately that many teachers and students, whose names were listed in a program, were recognized for their service to the district or their participation and excellence in areas including academic achievement, art, music, drama and various other categories.
Although the district has been struggling financially, the mood was positive and was punctuated with boisterous applause as the retiring and recognized teachers and students came to the podium at the front of the room to accept certificates of appreciation and other accolades.
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 06/19/07
BY NICK PETRUNCIO
FREEHOLD BUREAU
FREEHOLD — Schools Superintendent Elizabeth O'Connell on Monday outlined tentative plans for the extra $550,000 the state has promised the district.
O'Connell distributed what she called a working document in rough draft form containing recommendations formulated by her and an administrative team to the Board of Education at its regular meeting.
"We prioritized what our greatest needs are," O'Connell said.
The district is looking at spending the money, which would shore up about half of the $1.2 million the district is short, in the following ways. Here is the tentative plan:
$100,000 for the nearly depleted reserve.
$75,000 to reinstate three office assistants.
$75,000 for instructional supplies throughout the district's two elementary schools and one intermediate school.
$50,000 to reinstate an elementary school guidance counselor.
$50,000 toward the deficit.
$50,000 to reinstate a kindergarten teacher, likely in Park Avenue Elementary School.
$50,000 for special education.
$30,000 for technology and payroll.
$25,000 to reinstate one custodian.
$25,000 for building maintenance.
$15,000 for first- and second-grades state assessments, known as the NJ PASS tests.
$5,000 for the Gifted and Talented program.
Board President James Keelan remarked after the recommendations were read that $550,000 doesn't go far.
O'Connell agreed, saying that is true especially when the district is trying to allocate money between instructional purposes and making the financial situation better.
The state has only verbally promised the district the money, but it is expected to allocate the funds after it officially adopts the budget. That is expected to happen June 30.
Before the business portion of the meeting, which about a dozen parents attended, the Freehold Intermediate School cafeteria was packed with about 200 parents for the district's annual awards ceremony. O'Connell called this board meeting the best, happiest and most exciting one.
Approximately that many teachers and students, whose names were listed in a program, were recognized for their service to the district or their participation and excellence in areas including academic achievement, art, music, drama and various other categories.
Although the district has been struggling financially, the mood was positive and was punctuated with boisterous applause as the retiring and recognized teachers and students came to the podium at the front of the room to accept certificates of appreciation and other accolades.
