Board approves Expanded Learning item after questions on indirect cost, counselor position

Trustees pulled item 12.17 from the consent agenda to ask questions about grant indirect costs and program specifics. District staff said the district’s indirect cost rate is 5.46% and explained that many grants allow administrative costs up to 15%; the district is not using the full 15% and expects most grant dollars to fund direct program services.

Arcus and other staff explained that indirect costs capture overhead such as utilities, payroll and HR and that the particular grant under discussion includes funding for one counselor to support an expanded learning program. A trustee asked whether field trips are covered under Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) funds and whether the district maintains a preapproved board list for trips; staff said some field trips occur under ELOP and the district does not maintain a long preapproved list but could consider one.

Board members also asked about ELOP carryover. District staff reported a carryover balance of about $7,000,000 from earlier years’ timing of awards and said staff are being cautious in spend-down planning. After the discussion a motion to approve the pulled item passed by roll call with all members voting aye.

The board also earlier approved the remainder of the consent agenda while withholding 12.17 for discussion. The vote records for both consent motions were recorded by roll call in the meeting minutes.