PINEVILLE -- The state is looking at ways to save money and Governor Steve Beshear has stated he was going to preserve the basic SEEK formula for schools.
SEEK funding is based on the Average Daily Attendance of each school. Cuts already have been made in the education budget.
“Textbook adoption has basically been postponed for next year. Safe Schools, which help pay a large part for our councilors and professional development, come from FLEX monies, that come from the state, that are already starting to be cut,” Superintendent Mike White, explained to the board of education. The state proposes to cut ESS, Professional Development, Safe Schools, and textbooks. Next year science books were to be ordered. That will be put on hold until funds are released for them, in the next year or so.
The basic SEEK funding reportedly is to stay the same; however, there are still issues surrounding the funding that will affect Pineville school instructors payment. It is those monies that may be cut, for next year.
“They are currently using ‘05 transportation figures and that is the difference between our calculations at the moment (when considering the 2007-2008 budget)”, White said. “I am one district, along with others, that don’t won’t to refer back to ‘05 transportation”, White added.
There will be a significant impact on the district if the budget stays the same, White told the board.
The Draft Policy Procedures was reviewed by the board. White told the board that they along with the teachers will be reviewing the use of cell phones, in schools.
“We want to develop a policy to protect our students,” White told the board.
Some students have misused the privilege by placing some inappropriate videos on YouTube, that is seen around the world. While the federal government will not allow outright ban of the phones in schools, districts can regulate how they are used. Currently Pineville students can not turn on, or use, cell phones, while in class. The only times are between classes, breaks and lunch periods. The new policy is being developed and is expected to be presented to the school board at its meeting in March.
Sports Field of Lexington has won the bid to renovate the softball field, in Newtown. The team dugouts will be replaced and the field will be redone with clay and dirt, to make water run-off easier and less damaging.
For last month the high school at 290 students with an average attendance rate of 93.6 percent and the elementary school had 277 students with an average attendance of 92.13 percent. A number of students were sick during January.
C.J. Harte is a Correspondent for the Daily News. He can be reached via e-mail at charte@middlesborodailynews.com.
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