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206 funding the program, though no current grant funds are available for this purpose. Dr. McGeehan stated that the per pupil cost for the targeted students will not be reduced since the numbers are not enough to reduce the number of teachers needed. Dr. McGeehan stated that the proposed alternative school will have high start-up costs. Responding to a question from Ms. Slaughter, Dr. McGeehan listed the following components needed to make an alternative school work: tutorial~ therapy, employment opportunity, public service opportunities, parent education. Dr. McGeehan added that the program would be highly individualized. Mr. Vandever stated that he has been grappling with what the purpose of such a school would be, aside from removing the most disruptive students, and Dr. McGeehan stated that he felt the primary goals were to provide a safe learning environment for all students and, to the best of the school's ability and resources, help the students enrolled in the alternative school become productive adults. Ms. Linda Seaman, Chair of the School Board, stated that the students identified for the alternative school are currently receiving other services from other community programs and one goal would be to bring all the services the students are receiving under one program. Mr. Hendrix stated that because of the high cost of the the proposed alternative school, he felt significant results would need to be shown and expressed concern that this was possible if only 30 students are served initially. Mr. Hendrix also expressed concern about who would be in charge of the program and about providing funding for the program prior to developing the program itself. Ms. Seaman stated that she felt the alternative School's results would be measured by showing an increase in students' achievement levels and a reduction in court appearances as well as an improved school environment. Ms. Slaughter stated that she felt grants should be actively explored for funding the school. Ms. Daugherty stated that she would like to know what future costs would be for an alternative school. Mr. Toscano stated that he hoped the sChools would try to find money to reserve for the proposed alternative school as well as City government. _ ~_adjourned. p r e~%~i~d~e n t NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Thursday, March 10, 1994 AT 7:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Budget work session with School Board BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox (signed) BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - March 10, 1994 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Ms. Daugherty, Rev. Edwards, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano, Mr. Vandever.