Poplar Bluff schools to get $2.5 million in stimulus money

Poplar Bluff schools are expected to receive more than $2.5 million in federal stimulus funds over the next two years, but administrators have future budgetary concerns.

"The funds have a lot of strings attached and obligations after the money runs out," superintendent Ernie Lawson told school board members Thursday night. "We are plugging holes in the programs we have."

He said $1,272,768 in Title I funds can be used from early childhood through the sixth grade and $1,247,467 in Part B stimulus funds can be used anywhere in the district.

"We have a preliminary plan developed by the administrators and principals," said Lawson, who indicated it will be an action item during the June 18 board meeting. "It may look different then. This is the best plan at the present time."

In response to a question from board member Steve Sells, Clint Johnston, associate superintendent, said the stimulus money cannot be used for building projects.

"We have to send in four reports to the federal government instead of one annual report. It will require a whole new set of budgeting codes," Johnston said.

Because of federal and state restrictions, these funds cannot be used to supplant any local funds within the current budget, Johnston told the board in a draft budget proposal.

He said the district is attempting to use the funds for as many one-time purchases as possible to enhance educational opportunities without hamstringing future budgets.

"It is important to realize at the end of the 27-month period is a financial cliff that will result in the removal of these funds, creating a substantial hole in the 2011-12 budget," said Johnston, who is concerned about future "unfunded mandates."

Under the proposed Title 1 stimulus budget plan, four classroom teachers will be added to reduce class sizes during the next two years. These classes include fourth grade at Lake Road, third grade at Eugene Field, second grade at Lake Road and a fifth grade.

Other planned uses are hiring a half-time clerical staff member, an academic assistant at the Poplar Bluff 5th & 6th Grade Center, technology and eMINTS (an educational program designed to train educators of children) training at the 5th & 6th Grade Center and building level budgets during both years; furniture additions at Eugene Field during the first year; extending the contracts for reading coaches one year and technology and furniture additions for the Early Childhood Center at the Mark Twain School during the second year.

Under the proposed Part B stimulus budget plan, planned uses are for an academic assistant at the Junior High, facilitator, additional days/stipend for process coordinators, Senior High dropout specialist, behavior specialist at the 5th & 6th Grade Center, half-time clerical staff member, replacement teachers for two departing staff members, technology and eMINTS training for fifth grade and a bus purchase during both years; technology for special ed elementary buildings during the first year; and technology for the Early Childhood Center during the second year; and other teaching positions.

Lawson hopes not as many teachers will be needed two years down the road.

"We may work out of the overcrowding issues," Lawson said. He said the new teachers could replace those who retire over the next two years.

"There will be tough decisions on programs and personnel at the end of the two years," Lawson said.