LOWER LAKE — The Konocti Unified School District Board of Trustees held a workshop for some future plans at its second regular meeting of the month Wednesday night.
Superintendent Bill MacDougall led the idea session, which took up most of the three-hour meeting.
Three ideas were discussed: boundaries for three district elementary schools, possible transportation route reductions and a new program design for Highlands Academy. The board did not vote on any of the ideas discussed.
The boundaries discussion aimed to fix the differences in student population between Lower Lake Elementary (LLE), Burns Valley Elementary (BVE) and Pomo Elementary (PE). East Lake Elementary was not figured into the boundary issue.
The board and staff from the schools sought to lower the population at LLE and balance it out at BVE and PE. All involved hoped a boundary shift would accomplish the goal.
The board and staff next discussed possible reductions in district bus service. Dana Moore, the director of maintenance and operations, primarily led the discussion. Moore recommended reducing some routes where bus drivers picked up only a few children. The board wanted to involve parents in the discussion before making any decisions.
MacDougall led the last discussion about a change in the program at Highlands Academy. The change to the school program, which focuses on educating children with behavioral difficulties, would see a revamped curriculum concentrating on engaging and rewarding the students. It would also involve a partnership with the county department of mental health.
In a business matter, the board unanimously approved purchasing three new school buses for the district. To complete the purchase, the board will spend $75,000 of district funds plus funds from a San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District grant.
Board member Hank Montgomery said spending $75,000 on the three buses with a combined value of $300,000 was a good deal and Board President Anita Gordon agreed.
A public hearing on a settlement agreement between the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Konocti 12 and the district was continued to another meeting, as was the vote to approve the agreement.
Board member Mary Silva and Director of Business Laurie Desimone were absent from the meeting.
Kevin N. Hume can be reached at kevin.n.hume@gmail.com or call directly 263-5636 ext. 14.
