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139 <br /> <br /> At the request of Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Cottriil reviewed reductions proposed in the <br />school budget. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from ~vlr. Toscano, Dr. Shannon stated that the technology <br />money from the State will be used for networking within the building - $90,000, and for <br />technology in the elementary school media centers - $162,000, and the schools are required <br />to provide a 20% match and money in the budget for staff development. Dr. Shannon stated <br />that if all the requirements are met for use of these funds and there are funds remaining, they <br />can be used for any technology within the schools. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty asked what the educational requirements are for instructional assistants, <br />and Mr. Ron Hutchinson, City School staff, stated that a high school diploma is required, <br />though many are college graduates. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty noted that instructional assistants receive a low salary and asked if it is a <br />goal of the schools to increase these salaries. Ms. Daugherty also asked if having a full-time <br />instructional assistant for every second grade class is a goal. <br /> <br /> Dr. Shannon replied that she would like to see these salaries increased and the cost of <br />every second grade class having a full-time instructional assistant is a concern. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty asked for information on the cost of $65,000 per each additional <br />four-year old classroom, and Dr. Shannon stated that the cost includes one teacher, one aide <br />and classroom materials. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter asked that the School Board considering developing a gainsharing <br />program for individual schools for the future. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards raised questions about reducing the budget for field trips, and Ms. <br />Arletta Dimberg, City school staff, stated that additional funds for field trips are contained in <br />individual school budgets and supplemental funds are available for this use as welt. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter asked that the School Board and administration consider the use of City <br />buses for transporting older students to and from schools. Ms. Slaughter said she would like <br />to hear what some of the concerns for such a proposal are. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty expressed concern about the cost of two-color envelopes used by the <br />schools. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano stated that he is pleased that grants administration money is shown in the <br />school budgetl Mr. Toscano asked that the schools provide more information on technology <br />expenditures already in the budget and how the additional state money for technology is <br />proposed to be used. <br /> <br />Mr. Vandever requested additional information on the cost of the alternative school. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked Councilors if they are interested in revisiting the gainsharing <br />agreement between the City and the Schools. Ms. Slaughter stated that she would like to <br />review the current agreement before making a decision, and Ms. Daugherty and stated that <br />she is not interested in revisiting the issue. Rev. Edwards stated that he had never been in <br />favor of the agreement. <br /> <br />OTHER BUSINESS <br /> <br /> it was agreed that the second reading of the ordinance prohibiting skating and <br />skateboarding on the downtown mall would be put on the March 20th agenda. <br /> <br />President <br /> <br /> <br />