NAVIT Plans Program Expansion

By Naomi Hatch
   The Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology is expanding its program, and Matt Weber attended the March 13 meeting of the Snowflake School District Governing Board to provide details of that expansion.
   Weber said that they have to prove to the state that the funding is used for career and technical courses in order to be reimbursed. He explained that some districts haven’t done what they should, but noted that the Snowflake district has done a good job of documenting where the funding goes.
   “The major thing I want to leave with you tonight is that in order to get additional time for juniors and seniors, they would be looking at a two-period commitment from the school,” said Weber.
   He explained that even though Snowflake teachers have shown up to breakout sessions and been very supportive, if students leave the White Mountains, the teachers names will not be known like they are here, and completing the program wouldn’t mean as much. So he said they will not just teach a great curriculum, they will be coordinating with a community college so students can graduate the program with 24 college credits. He also said that if a student wants to finish a two-year degree, NAVIT will pay for it.
   Weber explained that the outcome from a program of study if a student attended two consecutive peri-ods all year would be earning four high school Career and Technical Education credits, 30 community col-lege credits and a certificate of applied science with the industry-recognizing certifications.
   The eighth through 10th grades will be the same as a satellite and those in the 11th and 12th grades will be taught at a community college campus. This will require students to meet three hours a day, five days a week, and they will receive eight high school elective credits and up to 56 college credits, depending on the program of study, plus the industry-recognized certification and licenses.
   Weber concluded, “We’re excited to give the money back to you, we just want to see you continue.”
   In other business March 13, the board:
   * Approved the cell phone policy and regulations.
   Board President Travis Tenney noted that he agreed with the policy, but said, “It’s about enforcement.”
   A brief discussion followed regarding teachers who allow cell phone use and teachers who follow the policy, which states “No cell phones during school hours.”
   Superintendent Monte Silk suggested teachers who do not follow the policy be given a low level repri-mand.
   The policy will be included in the student handbook for the 2008-09 school year.
   * Unanimously approved a bid from Centimark for the district office roof in the amount of $79,717.80. This is a change order that will install a new membrane surface on the roof, giving it a longer guarantee than the repair of a flat, foam base roof that would carry a five-year guarantee and might not solve the leak-ing problem.
   * Held the second reading of policies regarding Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, as recommended by the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) and as legally mandated.
   * Held the first reading of policies recommended by the ASBA regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act that will permit a spouse, son, daughter, parent or next of kin to take up to 26 work weeks of leave to care for a member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or Reserves, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation or therapy, is otherwise in outpatient status or is other-wise on the temporary retired list for a serious injury or illness.
   * Approved a request to apply for reimbursement of lost average daily membership (ADM).
   Business Manager Mark Ollerton explained that average absenteeism is 6.3 percent. The district must adjust its ADM to 2,044, which means it will lose money. The policy states that if there is a widespread illness, adverse weather conditions, concerted refusal by students to attend classes, or threats of violence against school property, school personnel or students for a period of one day or more, the district may apply for reimbursement of lost ADM. Ollerton said that he will cite widespread illness, because there have been student absences for three consecutive days or more, and there are students who miss school due to chronic health issues. Requesting forgiveness for these absences will drop the district below the five percent absen-teeism mark and it will not be penalized.
   * Approved a request to seek bids and/or proposals for the annual audit services, and for school and office supplies.
   Ollerton asked that a request for proposals (RFP) be used for the annual audit services in order to find a company that qualifies and has school experience in auditing. The board approved his request.
   * Approved the evaluation system that will be sent to the State Board of Education.
   Silk stated that this system meets all requirements under Arizona statutes.