ML school board approves summer learning program

The Medical Lake School board breezed through a short agenda at its June 23 meeting.

The board approved two summer learning programs for students. One is a reading intensive learning assessment program for third-graders who scored below the basic level on the Smarter Balanced Assessment test. The other is an extended school year program for K-6 special education students at the middle school. Both programs will run during the first three weeks in August, Tuesday through Thursday, from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

In action items, the board approved the first reading of Policy 6105 — Conflict of Interest — which they had tabled from the previous meeting.

According to the policy, the district will ensure the efficient, fair and professional administration of federal grant funds in compliance with the federal Office of Management and Budget regulations and other applicable federal and state standards, regulations and laws.

The policy states that no board member, employee, or agent of the district shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by federal grant funds.

Superintendent Tim Ames explained that the policy is a requirement for the district to apply for federal grants such as the one that helped fund its Summer Feeding program. The district is offering free meals through the Summer Food Service Program for Children from June 22 – Aug. 21.

The board approved the second reading of a policy on public access to district records and a roll over bid with Food Services of America Valcon.

In his Superintendent’s report, Ames said the district will hire a couple of substitute teachers for full-time positions. He added that enrollment was down 40 students, with most of those numbers coming from Fairchild Air Force Base.

“We’re looking at trend data and numbers that show Fairchild usually gets 30 kids in the summer,” Ames said.

Ames added that the maintenance department will check the status of buildings for the summer.

For the school’s upcoming Late Start, Ames said Fairchild will adjust the hours of its youth and teen centers. Medical Lake Parks and Recreation is also collaborating with the district to have a before-school program at Hallett Elementary.

“We’ve had two parent concerns and we will speak with them,” Ames said. “We’ll help families if they need assistance.”

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.