When asked to prioritize a list of emerging needs for the Fargo School District, board members put improving the district's alternative education program at the top of the list.
An early look at next year's budget shows there may be enough money to fund the program and three other items on the board's wish list without raising the mill levy.
Administrators estimate there will be about $500,000 in the budget for emerging needs, said Dan Huffman, assistant superintendent.
The amount assumes no mill levy increase for the general fund. It takes into account increased costs in transportation, insurance and energy. Administrators also expect little increase in state funding and special education payments next year.
In addition to alternative education, the $500,000 also could cover the costs of adding a full-time teacher of the gifted and talented, incorporating visual arts into the elementary school curriculum and offering teachers financial incentives for leadership - all at the top of the board's priority list.
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Alternative education made the top of the list primarily because of the board's commitment to addressing the district's dropout rate.
The board's priorities will be shared with principals and other administrators before the items make the final budget draft, said Superintendent David Flowers.
The School Board is expected to approve the preliminary budget at the next regularly scheduled meeting on July 20.
In other business Tuesday, the board:
E Accepted a long-range financial plan that tracks the district's financial health three years into the future. It was designed to help the district identify trends.
E Voted to hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. June 23 in Discovery Junior High. The topic of the meeting will be to present the pros and cons of transforming Discovery into the district's third high school.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Erin Hemme Froslie at (701) 241-5534
