Some schools lose federal funding for after-school program

 White County School Board held their monthly meeting, on Aug. 8 at BonDeCroft Elementary School, where the main topic of discussion was the district’s after-school program.

White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger shared with the board the unfortunate news that the district’s application for federal funding for their after-school program, known as the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, was not approved. Despite submitting a comprehensive application spanning nearly 70 pages, the district narrowly missed the approval mark by five or six points, leading to a sudden funding gap for the upcoming school year. This news came as a shock to Dronebarger and the school community, especially since they believed they had a strong application. As a result of the denial, four schools in the district, BonDeCroft, Findlay, Woodland Park, and White County Middle School are immediately impacted, with the after-school program that was set to begin on Aug. 19 in jeopardy.

 In response to this unforeseen challenge, Dronebarger outlined two funding options to the board for consideration. The first option involved funding the program without the middle school component, citing low student engagement and limited effectiveness of the program for middle school students as reasons for its exclusion. The second option encompassed funding the entire program, including the middle school, at a higher cost. These figures, amounting to $199,000 and almost $234,000 respectively, represent maximum estimates and did not account for potential cost savings from factors such as snow days, staff attendance, or unused materials and supplies.

 Dronebarger stressed the critical importance of the after-school program for students in need of academic support, parents who rely on it for childcare until they can finish work, and teachers who consider it a valuable source of supplemental income. He proposed utilizing existing capital funds, previously earmarked for other purposes, to bridge the funding gap for the upcoming year while hoping for a successful appeal, which has already been filed, to reinstate the lost grant funding. By maintaining the program for the next year, the district would buy valuable time to explore alternative funding sources, apply for other grants, and potentially engage with community groups to secure additional support. The decision to fund the program for the following year is being considered a temporary measure to provide continuity and support for students, parents, and teachers.

Ultimately, the board voted and approved providing funding to continue the after-school program at all schools, including White County Middle School. It was also explained that the other three schools in the district, Northfield Elementary, Cassville Elementary, and Doyle Elementary operate their after-school programs on a separate grant, and their grant process isn’t set for renewal for two more years, therefore they will continue operating under their current funding.

In other business, BonDeCroft principal Sara Cope talked about some her school’s health heroes, which is the school board’s theme for this year.

Cope recognized various school health heroes, including the cafeteria staff who was praised for their dedication in nourishing young minds with nutritious meals and creating a positive environment at the elementary school. Additionally, Nurse Brandy was honored for her compassionate and skilled care, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone at the school. Students Lincoln and Ariana Lavario were recognized for their commitment to healthy eating habits and serving as role models for their peers, while Austin Medin was highlighted for his extraordinary act of selflessness in donating his bone marrow to his sister, showcasing the true essence of a health hero and inspiring others to make a difference in their community. These individuals were celebrated for their contributions to promoting health and well-being within the school community.

Additionally, the board learned that school staffing across the district is almost complete with only one certified position left vacant at this time. It was also stated that there is a need for an additional special education teacher and three bus drivers.

Other items of discussion included learning that the schools have completed a new camera project, installing 174 cameras in addition to the existing ones for enhanced safety across the district. The process of changing locks at several schools is ongoing. Academically, administrators are reviewing data from last year’s testing and engaging in coaching conferences with school principals to discuss vision and goals for the year. Financially, the school received additional special education funding, which is seen as exciting given past shortfalls in that area, and they are currently evaluating their needs to determine how best to allocate the new funding towards addressing those needs effectively.

The next meeting of White County School Board, which will see new board members take their elected seats for districts 1, 3, and 4, will take place on Sept. 12, with the agenda available online several days in advance. All school board meetings are open to the public, and the board provides an opportunity for community members to register in advance if they would like to speak to the board.