A state program that New Kensington-Arnold School District participates in will help pay for services for some students with special needs.
Assistant Superintendent Joanne Cecchi said at Wednesday's school board meeting that the district decided last year to register as a "billable agency" with the School-Based ACCESS Program.
With that designation, the district can claim a partial reimbursement for what it spends on services such as speech or physical therapy for students who qualify for Medicaid, Cecchi said.
Last year's reimbursement came to about $59,000, she said.
That money, however, can't be used on just anything. Cecchi said it goes into a "pool" and must be used for services or equipment that helps, for instance, students with hearing or vision problems.
Cecchi said the district is given a list of things the money can be used for.
It was unclear on Wednesday how many students in the district qualify for Medicaid.
In other action:
• Board member Wayne Perry suggested that the Valley High School schedule for Mondays return to the 7:55 a.m. start time that is in place every other day of the week.
Officials decided last year to bump back the start of the Monday school day to 8:55 a.m. to give teachers a chance to plan and collaborate.
Perry said the change created hardships for some parents. "I have people who have complained to me about it," he said.
The board, however, decided not to revert back to the old Monday schedule after deciding that the planning time has been beneficial.
Perry also asked that occasional early dismissals for students across the district be limited to once per month -- which the board formally agreed to.
Students are dismissed 1.5 hours early several times during the school year so that teachers and administrators can have time for staff development.
High school Principal Kellie Abbott said after the meeting that the board's action was basically moot because the teachers' contract is structured in a way that only allows for seven staff development days per school year.
• Business Manager Audrey Massimiani said the district might hire a consultant to assist the Tax Study Commission when it's created.
Each district in the state must create a tax commission by Sept. 14 under recently enacted state law related to the slot machine gambling law. The commissions must review their districts' tax structures and make recommendations regarding options for lowering property taxes, such as raising the earned income tax.
Anyone interested in serving on New Kensington-Arnold's commission must send the district a letter of interest by Sept. 5.
• Mike Orr, building and grounds supervisor, said repairs to the high school track are complete. The track was damaged in 2004 when the remnants of Hurricane Ivan swept through.
• The board approved a three-year contract for lawn care services with J.P Custom Lawn Care for $17,710 per year.
