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Board approves budget reductions, program changes and long‑range plans including elimination of half‑day 4K, bus tracking and mental‑health navigator
Summary
In a string of consent and action items the board approved multiple budgetary and program changes (most 6–0) and adopted long‑range capital, technology and curriculum plans; bell times were approved 5–1.
The Sparta Area School District board approved a group of budgetary and operational changes and adopted several long‑range plans at the meeting. Most items passed unanimously (6–0); one item (bell times) passed 5–1.
Votes at a glance
- Eliminate half‑day 4K as an official district option, effective at the end of 2024–25 (financial savings from transportation estimated at about $80,000): approved 6–0.
- Reduce/eliminate the mental‑health navigator position (vacant since January), recommended savings about $75,000: approved 6–0.
- Eliminate bus‑tracking software (Busware) for families effective 07/01/2025, current cost roughly $34,000 annually and approximately 401 registered family accounts: approved 6–0.
- Change student accident insurance from a district‑paid universal policy to an opt‑in option available to families (estimated current district cost ~$30,000): approved 6–0 (motion amended to make an opt‑in option available to families).
- Approve new Montessori charter agreement (five‑year agreement language drafted; subject to DPI review): approved 6–0.
- Ap…
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