Laserfiche WebLink
298 <br /> <br />where. Mr. Hutchinson said that the operating cost for 24 classrooms would be <br />approximately $550,000 to $600,000 annually. <br /> <br /> Mr. Richard Merriwether, School Board member, said that the MACAA pre- <br />school is undergoing an audit and there is the possibility that it could be shut down, <br />which could impact the number of students needing services. Mr. Merriwether said he <br />thinks this is an opportunity to build a new site. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked if he is correct that the facility being discussed would not address <br />any children other than those in need and Ms. Payne said he is correct. <br /> <br /> Mr'. Steve Campbell, School Board member, said he would hate to see us decide <br />on site selection until we decide what kind ora pre-school we want to have. <br /> <br />Mr. Cox said another question is whether we can afford the program over time. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty said the real question is the need to address concerns of daildren <br />going through the system without learning. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he feels a universal pre-school is going to be necessary, and said <br />that some school systems are already there. Mr. Cox asked if there is any data that shows <br />that children who have gone through the program have benefited. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dimberg said there is modest information on the current pre-school that <br />shows that they have benefited. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said he feels it would be helpful to compare the children to those <br />who have not been in pre-school, and feels this is critical information as the schools look <br />to expand the program. <br /> <br />Ms. Dimberg said a study is being put together. <br /> <br /> Ms. Payne said she feels the School Board has to share the burden of paying for <br />this program, but they have not yet had in-depth discussions. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she thinks there is a consensus developing in the population <br />about the desire for pre-school programs. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked if the School Board is looking for something from Council <br />now, and Ms. Payne said the Board wanted to make Council aware that these are the <br />School Board's thoughts, that it is a priority, that the Board will be looking at it in the <br />upcoming months, and that capital costs will have to be increased. Ms. Payne said no <br />decision from Council is needed today. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said that there will need to be a community discussion aborn the <br />Jefferson School building because of its value and importance. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty said that City staffhave been asked to come up with a <br />recommendation about possible uses of Jefferson School and how to involve the <br />community. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he thinks the School Board is putting restrictions on the site if they <br />are only looking at those with four to seven acres, and said it may need to be a smaller <br />footprint with more of an urban nature. <br /> <br /> It was noted that requirements for pre-school programs dictate that they be on one <br />level. <br /> <br /> The meeting was adjourned. <br /> <br />p s¢ddS <br /> <br /> <br />