Laserfiche WebLink
271 <br /> <br />had been some confusion about whether the School Board had considered the program to <br />be a priority. <br /> <br /> Dr. Joseph McGeehan, Superintendent of Schools, explained that the Families <br />Learning Together (FLT) program is several years old, has been primarily located at <br />Johnson and Clark Schools, and is aimed at helping people toward their GED and with <br />parenting skills. The state formerly supported the program, the School Board funded it <br />one year, and it was not recommended for funding in next year's budget. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards questioned whether FLT program was a priority with the School <br />Board. <br /> <br /> Ms. Linda Seaman, Chair of the School Board, asked whether Council was saying <br />that there is money available for other educational programs and, if so, suggested that the <br />School Board be given an opportunity to make recommendations regarding funding. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano stated that he did not think ongoing programs should be'funded with <br />one-time money and added that he was reluctant to spend the funds at this time, <br />particularly since it is out of the budget cyCle. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter suggested that Council could set aside the funds and establish a <br />process to decide how the funds could be used. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever stated that he felt the Families Learning Together program <br />transcends schools issues and if it is one of the School's priorities then Council could keep <br />it afloat for an additional year. <br /> <br /> Ms. Seaman stated that the School Board could supply Council with a list of <br />unfunded priorities if funds are available: Ms. Seaman added that she felt there needed to <br />be a means of determining the effectiveness of programs such as the Families Learning <br />Together program because of the competition for funding. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards stated that he would be interested in the School Board providing a <br />list of unfunded priorities every year. <br /> <br /> Mr. Robert Bloodgood, School Board member, spoke in support of the Families <br />Learning Together program. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano recommended that Council decide if funds are to be set aside for <br />educational purposes before asking the School Board to spend time prioritizing unfunded <br />programs. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter noted that one-time renovation costs associated with the alternative <br />school may be needed. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards stated that he was not inclined to fund the Families Learning <br />Together program at the current time. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty stated that she would like to see Council open to funding agency <br />programs that overlap school programs. <br /> <br /> In response to a recent erroneous newspaper article, Mr. Vandever stressed that <br />funding for an alternative school remains a priority with Council and funds have been <br />reserved in next year's budget for this purpose. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter suggested that the Mayor issue a statement to further clarify the <br />issue of alternative school funding. <br /> <br /> With regard to the Performing Arts Center, Mr. Toscano stated that questions <br />have been raised at>out who is formally in control since changes in funding were made, and <br /> <br /> <br />