This and that-

For the most part minor business was before the board last night. Although the district goals came up we only had limited discussion about them.

A proposed policy to establish a fund balance goal was tabled to give board members time to think about my proposal to add a few teeth to it. The district fund balance has been running between 15 and 20%. We are advised that keeping it above 15% or so reduces our short term borrowing needs and our cost of borrowing, however there is always a temptation to raid the fund balance in a financial pinch.

We did approve a transportation agreement with Kid's Safari where the district will provide afternoon bus service and charge actual costs (~$6300) back to Kid's Safari. I think this is a reasonable solution that leverages the district's ability to provide lower cost transportation in the public interest. I suggested this solution several month ago when the issue first came up.

The board also approved Paul Brost's proposed language for the student handbook concerning an after school tutoring program in the high school. His plan would be to make staff available after school for 2 hours twice a week. This would be available to all students, but some students could be assigned to the program based on academic factors. I like the individual attention this program would provide to students in need, unfortunately this program is not funded at this time.