The West Fargo School District will receive an extra $200,000 next year thanks to President Bush's "No Child Left Behind Act."
In the 2001-02 school year the district received $774,630.
In 2002-03 the district will get $987,920, with an undetermined amount coming for English as a Second Language programs, the School Board was told Monday.
The funds cover federal programs including Reading Recovery, Guided Reading, teacher development and class-size reduction.
The act also includes more than $28,000 as part of a program to make sure every student is technologically literate by the end of eighth grade.
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Assistant Superintendent Louise Dardis said the biggest change in Bush's education initiative is the requirement for more accountability.
The district will have to do more testing of students for basic skills. More teacher and staff training is encouraged, but Dardis said schools must show the training helps students.
Some aspects of the federal act don't apply directly to West Fargo schools. The act emphasizes teacher retention, but Dardis said the district doesn't have a problem keeping good teachers.
The act also includes a provision for an annual report card on public schools.
In other business, the board agreed to seek bids to improve the West Fargo High School parking lot. The project is estimated to cost more than $100,000 and should be completed before the school year begins. The board plans to award bids July 8.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 235-7311
