Board approves Highly Capable grant package after extended program discussion
Summary
The Richland School District board approved Form Package 217, the district's highly capable program grant application, after a lengthy discussion about program capacity, identification and equity. Board members moved and seconded the packet and voted to approve.
The Richland School District board voted to approve Form Package 217, the district's highly capable program grant, after an extended presentation and discussion about program capacity, identification practices and equity.
The grant packet was presented to the board for approval by Enid, a district staff member who said, "I'm submitting this packet for approval for form package, 2 17 for highly capable program and grant access." The packet includes planning and budget numbers for the Quest magnet program and districtwide highly capable services.
Board members and staff discussed how Quest seats are allocated, how universal screening in second and fifth grade changes identification, and whether magnet placement or school-based services better serve the larger group of students who qualify. Enid said the district had identified more students than it can currently seat in the Quest classes and explained the district uses a ranked data profile to offer limited slots and provides busing for accepted students.
Board members pressed for more family and student feedback and asked staff to report on long-term outcomes for students who attend Quest versus those served in general education. One board member asked whether the grant'funded budget should be used to extend services to more students in neighborhood schools; staff said they would collect research and return with options.
Board action: a motion to approve the Form Package 217 grant packet was made and seconded. The board voted and the motion passed (vote recorded as yes responses; outcome: approved). The packet will allow the district to continue the Quest magnet and districtwide highly capable services under the grant parameters presented.
The board also requested follow-up information including: parent/student satisfaction data for students served in general education vs. the magnet program, research on outcomes for magnet placement vs. inclusive models, and clarification of capacity and wait-list procedures.
The decision completes this item for the current meeting; staff said they will return with the requested materials in a later meeting.
