Liberty schools present signature-program plans: STEAM, Ag science, dual language, career exploration among campus priorities

At the June 14 meeting the district92s schools presented their signature-program reports, outlining program goals, budgets and sustainability plans for the coming year. The board received short presentations from site leaders and contractors or consultants where applicable. Highlights follow.

Westar Elementary (STEAM): Westar presented a STEAM program focused on project-based learning, community partnerships, coding and makerspace activities. Projected site-level expenditures this year included about $4,620 in stipends and site spending (down from earlier years when grant funding supported about $15,000). Program leaders said TechSmart and other previously grant-funded supports are no longer guaranteed and that community partnerships and grant applications are being pursued to sustain and grow the program.

Rainbow Valley (Leader in Me): Principal Julie Lisaya described Leader in Me, a character-and-leadership program the campus inherited with a three-year contract. The program cost cited for the school year is $12,100 (includes in-person coaching and membership access to materials). Lisaya said…