Tue May 26 2009, 7:00pm
Yale School
Regular Meeting

PUBLIC HEARING

I-728 Hearing

WOODLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT
I-728 PLAN - 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR


BACKGROUND
I-728 was passed during the 2001 legislature and first implemented for the 2001-2002 school year. I-728 funds can be used for 7 specific purposes, as follows:  K-4 class-size reduction, 5-12 class-size reduction, extended learning opportunities for students, professional development for educators, early assistance for pre-kindergarten children, facility improvements directly related to class-size reductions and facility improvements directly related to extended  learning opportunities.  Districts are required to hold a public hearing at a board meeting in which they present the priority of how funds will be spent.

PRIOR YEARS
In prior years, the district has used the bulk of the funds to hire additional teachers, thereby reducing class-sizes at various grade levels.  The district has also used the funds to provide academic coaching during the school year (extended learning, outside the school day) and summer school for all grades.  In 2003-2004, and in 2005-06 and 06-07 the district also used some of the funds to purchase a portable, providing facility improvements, related to class-size reductions.  In 07-08 and 08-09, the district also used some of the funds for professional development for certificated staff.

2009-2010 PLAN
The 2009 Legislative and budget session was not kind to districts in the amount of I-728 funds appropriated for the 09-10 school year.  The allocation will go from $458.10 per FTE to $131.16 per FTE.  This is a decrease of approximately $600,000 for 09-10.  The funds will be spent solely on class size reduction.