FPS staff report
March 17, 2009
Carrollton Schools Supt. Palmer Fogler has applied for federal stimulus money to build a new school.
At the March 10 meeting of the Carrollton Board of Education, Supt. Fogler announced she has applied to the Federal Stimulus/Recovery Ohio program for $17,100,000 which represents the community’s share of the 44/56 split to build a new middle school/high school.
Although Supt. Fogler termed the application as “Dream Big”, she said she felt the school district should apply for the money since it is available. “However, don’t hold your breath,” she added.
The Superintendent explained the estimated total cost for the Carrollton schools building program in today’s dollars (less than last year due to the economy) is $38,500,000.
“The President wants to improve the infrastructure of the United States, help schools, help the most in need, etc., so keep your fingers crossed,” she said.
Regarding assured distributions from the Federal Stimulus bill, Supt. Fogler told the board she plans to increase staffing to better support inclusion, to better implement RTI and to help low performing students whether they are identified special needs or not.
Supt. Fogler was referring to additional allocations to the Local Education Agency’s for Elementary and Secondary Education Act in which the Carrollton Exempted Village School District is to receive $1,083,000.
This includes $426,000 in Title I-A money and $657,000 in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funding.
According to Mrs. Fogler, this money will be used for staff and supplies for children lacking in reading and math and must be spent over a two-year period.
As a result of the stimulus money, Supt. Fogler said she plans to implement professional development to again support inclusion and to better implement RTI. “All special education teachers, regular education teachers and aides will be a part of the professional development,” she added.
Supt. Fogler explained the federal stimulus money will have strings attached so she will need to heed those directives. “However, the plans I have suggested fall within the usual guidelines,” she said.
Any staff member that wants to be a part of the planning should let Supt. Fogler know. A meeting to discuss ideas is set for Friday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Superintendent also told the Board that in the past the Feds have given schools $17 for each $100 in expenses the school districts incur for special education and title students.
“The stimulus package ups that amount to approximately $26 per $100 we spend, still short, but we will take it and be appreciative,” she added |
