Board hears plan to spend stimulus funds
July 14, 2009
During the July 14 combined school board meeting, board members received an overview of how Springfield Public Schools will spend about $11.5 million in federal funding it will receive over the next two years to support Title I and special education programs.
While the stimulus money will allow hiring 43 additional employees in these areas, the district also plans to use the money in areas like professional development and equipment purchases to maximize the impact of the investment even after the money goes away, explained Dr. Teresa White, associate superintendent of special education and Title I.
Special education will receive about $5.9 million and Title I will receive about $5.5 million. For more specifics about how the money will be spent, click here.
The board also heard a presentation about the first-year successes of the Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility. Teachers Sue Dyle and Becky Ziegler shared what they had learned through the process of developing this program from the ground up.
WOLF’s success is dependent upon community support, which they received from many businesses and organizations. Bass Pro and Wonders of Wildlife museum are two critical partners who will continue their support for the 2009-2010 school year, the teachers explained.
Martin McDonald, Bass Pro director of conservation, announced at the meeting that Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris will personally fund the design and construction of two new classrooms for WOLF inside the WOW museum. The classrooms are expected to be completed for use in fall 2010.
Watch the entire meeting online.