Slater adds a new course to dual credit program

Slater Board of Education approved a new dual credit course for the 2010-2011 school year in a special meeting held Wednesday, June 30.

The high school will now offer an agricultural science course that will transfer as junior-level credit hours to the University of Central Missouri-Warrensburg.

The course, currently offered at the high school level, should run with the standard reimbursement rates of other dual credit courses--offering a 100 percent reimbursement if the student earns an A and 50 percent for a B.

In other news, approximately seven general contractors are interested in pursuing construction of the proposed Early Childhood Center.

A pre-bid session will be held Friday, July 2, at 11 a.m. for interested parties and the public to view plans, look at the site and get clarification, Superintendent John McEachern said.

Bidding will open July 19 at 2 p.m.

McEachern also stated that the State would not be funding its portion of Career Ladder this year. The State typically pays 60 percent of the budget and the district covers the remaining 40 percent.

Rather than see the program in jeopardy, the board will continue to keep up with its portion for 2010-2011. Roughly $33,800 from local funds will be budgeted for the program's continuation.

"It's a way to reward teachers who do it and fulfill our local part," McEachern said. "It's a deficit, which we know--but when all is said and done, next year should be in the black."

Approving the final budget for the past school year reflects a deficit, but not as drastic as the board had expected.

"Revenues were up, expenditures were down. But (expenditures) were down more than revenues by $104,000 for 2009-2010 school year," McEachern said.

Board members feel confident, though, about the upcoming year saying they think revenues will increase when other districts' are going down.

Darla Arni was not present and the board did not go into executive session.

The next board meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 20.

Contact Sarah Reed at marshallreporter@socket.net

Online:
www.slaterpublicschools.net