The Even Start program, facing a grant-money shortfall, received a renewal of more than $96,000 per year from the state, Special Services Director Keith Erickson told the school board Monday.

Tuesday, July 17, 2001

The Even Start program, facing a grant-money shortfall, received a renewal of more than $96,000 per year from the state, Special Services Director Keith Erickson told the school board Monday. The funds will be matched by the district and organizations such as the Freeborn County Family Services Collaborative, he said.

&uot;This was a shot in the dark to begin with, and to get it another four years is a very pleasant surprise,&uot; Erickson said.

Having an innovative concept like the Brookside Education Center was one reason the district received the rare four-year renewal, he said.

&uot;One of the areas that we strongly felt was a priority area for them and was an advantage for us was the existence of the Brookside Education Centert,&uot; Erickson said.

Brookside incorporates all of the district’s alternative-education resources under one roof, an uncommon arrangement.

The Even Start Program, in use for four years in Albert Lea, helps families and their children prepare for public education through help with language skills and parental involvement. Many Hispanic families take advantage of the program, Erickson said.

In other school board news:

n The district expanded two positions to full-time – one at the Area Learning Center and one at the Hayward Group Home. Both programs have seen an increase in student need, Erickson said.

For example, at the Hayward Group Home, the number of students with special-education needs has risen from two or three to more than 10 in the last five years, he said.

The increase will be funded primarily through tuition costs to neighboring districts, Erickson said.

n Facilities and Transportation Director Bruce Olson asked the board to award the Southwest Middle School roofing project to Malo Roofing of Owatonna. Their bid of $59,000 was well under the estimated cost of the project, he said.

The board gave the bid unanimous approval.

n The board renewed the district’s membership in two state organizations – Schools for Equity in Education for $3,544 and the Minnesota School Boards Association for $4,838. Both organizations give the district access to developments at the state legislature, said Superintendent Dr. David Prescott.

n Curriculum Director Judy Knudtson sent letters to the families of Farmland employees letting them know about assistance available through the district such as free and reduced lunch and breakfast, school supplies and transportation.

n The board approved $3.49 million in general-obligation aid-anticipation bonds to cover yearly expenses. The move is considered routine.