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Centre board votes to continue 4-Year-Old At-Risk program

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

After a discussion of the pros and cons of the new 4-Year-Old At-Risk program, Centre USD #397 board of education voted 6-1, April 10, to continue the class in 2006-07.

Brent Methvin opposed the move.

"I think parents should take responsibility for their kids before dumping them on the school," Methvin said. "It seems like that is what they are doing."

Lynley Remy, instructor for the new program, said parents want a link to the kindergarten program. She said the 4-Year-Old program prepares children for the structured setting of all-day kindergarten.

"It will break my heart if we refuse to do it again," she said. "It has had a big impact."

She said kindergarten teacher Kenna Krause was happy to see what the four-year-olds have learned. She noted there are more requirements than there is time to teach them at the kindergarten level, and 4-year-old at-risk takes up the slack.

Applications have been completed by six parents, and several more are expected. Screening will take place Aug. 22. The district will receive special funding for four-year-olds considered "at-risk" for poor performance. Parents of those who aren't classified as "at-risk" will pay a fee.

Remy will go back to teaching elementary school music full-time. A half-time instructor will be employed for the 4-Year-Old At-Risk program.

Junior Brittany Owens related the duties she will have as newly-elected vice president of District V Future Business Leaders of America.

The board approved slates of activities for the Centre FBLA and FFA chapters.

FFA will eliminate five of its usual activities. They are district land judging, state land judging, state fair service day, Hutchinson Community College livestock event, and reward trips.

In addition, FFA will reimburse the district in odd-numbered years for fuel used for transportation in district vehicles to the National Western Stock Show in Denver.

In other business, the board:

— approved payment of a $1,100 fee for continued subscription to the Legal Assistance Fund. The program provides cost-effective legal assistance in matters related to Kansas school law.

— approved dues of $3,633 for continued membership in the Kansas Association of School Boards. This is an increase of $648 from the current year.

— approved adoption of K-6 science curriculum textbooks at a cost of $11,870.53, and social studies textbooks for $9,859.

— authorized employment of temporary help for summer maintenance, allowing up to $8,500 in wages and fixed charges.

— approved a 403(b) model plan document regarding employee contributions to tax-sheltered annuities.

Rental rate set at $100

for community center

The official name of the new community building at Lincolnville is Lincolnville Community Center.

At its monthly meeting April 11, the city council set rental rates for the building.

The regular all-day rate will be $100. For a use of four hours or less, the rental fee will be $50. Non-profits may rent the building for a whole day or less for $50.

All renters will be asked to submit a $200 deposit, to be refunded if the building is cleaned and left in good condition after use.

To book an event, contact city hall at 620-924-5208 or fax 620-924-5488.

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