Libby Schools hopes to continue after-school program at high level
Libby’s after-school program ended for the academic year on Thursday and now the wait begins to see if it will continue in the future.
Reaching the end of a five-year 21st Century grant, the school district re-applied for another funding cycle. But even if approved, the program would receive just 60 percent of the $120,000 annual amount it has been receiving.
“It would be $72,000 and would need money to make up the difference if the board decides to continue the program as it is now,” the program’s Bgee Zimmerman said. “It’s up in the air … we’re waiting on funds just like the rest of the world.”
The Little Theatre’s walls – site of the school board meeting – featured several photos of after-school children and activities.
“The after-school program has done some wonderful things to help kids,” said Kirby Maki, school superintendent. “It’s made a big difference. The key question that will come up is what are the priorities when it comes to this program?”
Julie Waters-Barcomb of the elementary school, Vicki Randall of the middle school and Kaide Dodson of the high school each shared information about their academic and enrichment activities.
“The thing we’re doing is helping kids that need a safe place, tender-loving care,” Randall said. “And test scores do improve, grades do improve but more importantly, we know their self-images comes up.”
Board member Jerry Frament asked what might be eliminated with the reduction in funds.
“We might cut the number of days; it might cut to three days a week instead of four,” Randall offered as possible suggestions. “Maybe the team would have to decide what is more important – academics or enrichment.”
The grant does have certain requirements, which could play a role in any of those decisions.
“We should know pretty soon whether or not we get the grant or not,” curriculum coordinator Jael Prezeau said. “The reason it (the grant) is cutting back is because they want districts to wean themselves from all the money coming from the outside and say, ‘we want to build it into the regular program.’”
The after-school programs have seen tremendous growth. The program at the high school is open enrollment but sizes are limited at the elementary and middle school and those programs have waiting lists.
In other business:
• Brandon Roberts, Memorial Center executive director, briefed the board the Kootenai Heritage Council’s Musical Theatre Camp for children in grades 4-12. The event will encompass all aspects of a major production with auditions set for June 29.
• The board scheduled a special agenda and reorganizational meeting for May 12 at noon and the regular monthly meeting for May 19 at 5 p.m. The regular meeting was moved up because of a school concert.
• Three choir students performed a pair of selections for the board. Several students last weekend qualified for the upcoming State Music Festival in Missoula.
• The board briefly discussed the possibility of drafting a letter associated with the Montanore project. At least one board member expressed caution with taking any political views on a project but the letter would apparently acknowledge only that the project could be of some benefit to the school district.
• The board approved the resignation of Dolly Crum as activities coordinator and retirement of LeAnn Hilderman as special services secretary.
• The board approved a list of certified staff, classified staff and various other contracts for 2009-10.
• The board approved winter coaching assignments, including head coaches Jim May in girls basketball and Wally Winslow in boys basketball. The head wrestling coach position remains vacant.
• The board approved strategic planning for Carving New Directions and pointed out the above-and-beyond efforts of board member Tracy Comeau.