Gloucester City School Board Names Grant Writer
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
By Anne Forline
Gloucester City News
The Gloucester City Board of Education approved a contract for a new grant writer during last week’s meeting. Curriculum Director Liz Curry said that $1.4 million of the district’s grants are up for renewal within the next several months. It is important for the school district to have an experienced and efficient grant writer in place so that all of the deadlines are met, Curry said.
Concerning curriculum, a motion was approved to allow the purchase of criminal justice materials for the high school as well as library skills curriculum for Kindergarten through sixth grade.
The Board okayed a motion regarding the adoption and implementation of a state-mandated and district-wide harassment, intimidation and bullying policy.
A motion was passed to accept the renewal of the 21st Century Grant, with the 2011-12 school year
marking the second year of a five-year grant. Also, a motion was approved that allows $118,709 of unused SES funds to go toward extended day programs at the High School and Cold Springs School.
During the public forum, Sharita Shields spoke about her concern regarding the school registration process for her son. She asked for a better channel of communication between parents and the school.
Betty Walton addressed the board with a question about non-public busing. A discussion was then held about statutes and regulations concerning courtesy and hazardous busing.
Board Solicitor Frank Cavallo Jr. said the school district legally cannot provide courtesy busing to non-public students.
Tanya Sanderson asked about the district’s plan of action concerning bullying, and said she is willing to help and volunteer with this program.
Superintendent Paul Spaventa said this state-mandated plan had just been approved earlier in the evening.
He said there will be a presentation about this program at the next caucus meeting, which will be on Thursday, October 6, at 7 p.m. in the Gloucester High Media Center. The School Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 11, at 7 p.m.
