A recent vote by the Konocti school board approved social skills academies and counseling centers at Burns Valley, East Lake and Lower Lake elementary schools.
The programs are similar to one approved earlier this year for Pomo Elementary School. Administrators noted that the program is based upon elements of BEST Practices, Monty Roberts” philosophy and successful practices in special education. The program is preventative in nature.
The program”s credentialed “director,” which would be shared equally among the three sites would be either a psychologist, a counselor or a teacher depending on the best person available for the job.
Board member Anita Gordon asked site principals about their vision for a shared director and how the position would be used at each site. East Lake principal Debi Malley said that, realistically, it would be difficult for East Lake to share the position, given its distance from the other two schools and that she would like East Lake”s safe schools counselor to be academy director for East Lake. However, Malley added that she recognized the need for the three sites to share a director.
Input also came from Gavin Huffmaster, vice principal of Lower Lake; and Troy Sherman, principal of Burns Valley.
“We felt that it was necessary for students who cannot function in the classroom,” Huffmaster said. “It would provide training in social skills, academic instruction and anger management.” He added, “This is not drop-off babysitting. There is a process that involves interventions.”
Addressing a perception that the academy”s purpose would be to “get rid” of problem students, “This program is giving seven to 10 kids all the attention and resources they need,” stated Sherman.
An obstacle to program funding is that a Title I waiver request is for an amount exceeding an allowed carryover by $60,000. Business Manager Laurie Altic said the waiver request is on a state supervisor”s desk with a recommendation for approval. The board”s motion of adoption was subject to obtaining state approval for the necessary funding.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
