AUBURN - The Auburn Enlarged City School District Board of Education cemented a date for an open forum designed to create a free-flowing dialogue between the community and the district.
During its regular meeting Tuesday, the board decided to schedule a town hall meeting for 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Auburn High School Library, during which the public can ask or discuss anything school-related.
Board President Charlie Cator suggested three topics for discussion: the 2009-10 academic year budget process, long-range planning and the new attendance policy.
But community members can suggest topics by contacting the district office at 255-8822 or 255-8850.
Board member Ginny Kent spoke of the forum as an opportunity to “let our hair down” and talk about the district in a less formal setting than a board meeting.
When Cator was elected as president in July, he promised to coordinate a series of brown bag forums to increase and improve communication between the district and the community. He foresees at least three sessions being held throughout the year.
“We're trying to open the door for people,” Vice President Sam Giangreco said. “Let's open the door, let's talk.”
However, Michael Stearns - who volunteered to facilitate the forum - said these meetings have a specific objective.
“It's an opportunity for people to ask questions and tell us what's on their minds,” he said. “It's not an opportunity for an angry parent to beat up on a particular staff member.”
In other news:
* The board abolished three social worker positions that were funded by a federal grant that has since expired.
The district hired three social workers to administer the Mobile Outreach Services Team program, an elementary school counseling services model, funded by a $1.2 million, three-year grant from the United States Education Department. That grant expired this year, and the district is unable to continue funding the positions.
“Often, when we have grants, when the grants end we need to think of other things to do for sustainability,” Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Camille Johnson said.
With that said, the district is participating in Child and Family Clinic Plus, a state program locally administered by Cayuga Counseling Services, Inc. through the county Mental Health Department.
Johnson said the positions were expected to be eliminated upon the grant's expiration.
* The next board meeting is slated for 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Auburn High School library.
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
Board President Charlie Cator suggested three topics for discussion: the 2009-10 academic year budget process, long-range planning and the new attendance policy.
But community members can suggest topics by contacting the district office at 255-8822 or 255-8850.
Board member Ginny Kent spoke of the forum as an opportunity to “let our hair down” and talk about the district in a less formal setting than a board meeting.
When Cator was elected as president in July, he promised to coordinate a series of brown bag forums to increase and improve communication between the district and the community. He foresees at least three sessions being held throughout the year.
“We're trying to open the door for people,” Vice President Sam Giangreco said. “Let's open the door, let's talk.”
However, Michael Stearns - who volunteered to facilitate the forum - said these meetings have a specific objective.
“It's an opportunity for people to ask questions and tell us what's on their minds,” he said. “It's not an opportunity for an angry parent to beat up on a particular staff member.”
In other news:
* The board abolished three social worker positions that were funded by a federal grant that has since expired.
The district hired three social workers to administer the Mobile Outreach Services Team program, an elementary school counseling services model, funded by a $1.2 million, three-year grant from the United States Education Department. That grant expired this year, and the district is unable to continue funding the positions.
“Often, when we have grants, when the grants end we need to think of other things to do for sustainability,” Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Camille Johnson said.
With that said, the district is participating in Child and Family Clinic Plus, a state program locally administered by Cayuga Counseling Services, Inc. through the county Mental Health Department.
Johnson said the positions were expected to be eliminated upon the grant's expiration.
* The next board meeting is slated for 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Auburn High School library.
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
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