Rountree to become third district PYP school
September. 23, 2008
Rountree Elementary School will become the third district elementary school to adopt the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
On Sept. 23, the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education approved the implementation of the Rountree PYP beginning in the 2009-2010 school year.
PYP is an inquiry-based learning approach with a proven track record in meeting student needs within existing district PYP programs. Boyd and Field elementary schools currently offer the PYP to their students. Enrollment trends at both those schools show strong community support for the program.
Rountree staff researched potential SPS Choice options for two years before proposing PYP. Implementation will require $15,000 for the current budget year. The money was approved by the board in June for Choice training or research.
The program will require ongoing annual costs of $125,720 beginning in fiscal 2009.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting:
*Uncertainty in the economy and housing markets could delay the payment of Greene County property taxes at the end of the year. Because property taxes are the main source of revenue for Springfield Public Schools, district officials are being proactive and fiscally responsible by setting up a contingency funding source to meet potential needs.
The board was asked to consider participating in the Advanced Funding Program sponsored by the Missouri School Boards Association and the Missouri Health and Educational Facilities Authority. The program offers school districts the lowest cost financing available to fund cash flow deficits that may occur during a fiscal year.
The district’s revenue receipts have a seasonal pattern. About 94 percent of the district’s local tax revenues are collected in December, January and February. It is uncertain how much, if any, money the district may have to borrow. But the cost is expected to be low and there is no cost if the funds are not needed.
*The board approved three change orders for construction projects at Glendale and Parkview high schools, totaling $72,647.28. The school projects are funded under a $96.5 million bond initiative approved by voters in 2006.
*The board approved revisions to the district’s strategic plan, SP5, that will remove duplication among current performance indicators and measures in an effort to sharpen the focus on the three primary district goals.
*The board voted to authorize the superintendent to contract with H & M Insurers to be the carrier for the district’s medical stop-loss coverage program from Oct. 1, 2008 through Oct. 1, 2009. H & M has provided medical stop-loss coverage for the district since Oct. 1, 2006.