I will be presenting information about the closing of Wilson and moving the program to McKinley as part of the budget adjustment recommendations at Thursday evening’s Board of Education meeting. Discussions have been held regarding moving PACE out of McKinley with the intent of possibly moving it to the City Life building. This space would allow for an enhanced Career Tech Education programming, which is currently being explored. We are also looking at how to support the program administratively; the Level IV EBD Program is currently housed at City Life. We could also look at the Night School component possibly going to City Life. We have met with the Waite Park Mayor and Police Chief, and they continue to have some concerns regarding the Wilson Program moving to McKinley.
We are having a discussion with the St. Cloud Police Department regarding some of the Safe School levy funds currently paying for a Police Liaison Officer at Wilson possibly being transferred to Waite Park for McKinley.
I firmly believe that the ALC programming will be enhanced by making this move. Opportunities at McKinley for the Wilson Program include Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), lab space, science room, gym, and cafeteria. The City Life building would allow opportunities for PACE programming in various areas, including economic literacy, a reading program, art studio, automotive program, service to community projects, etc., as well as a gym and wellness center.
The total budget reduction for the ALC Program move will need to equate to $350,000, part of which will be operating costs due to closing the Wilson building. The administration will work with the ALC staff in figuring out the details of the remaining reduction amount. It could be an opportunity for the staff to redesign staffing patterns.
At Thursday’s meeting, I will review the recommendation to proceed with the closing of Wilson and moving the ALC Wilson Program to McKinley for a total budget reduction amount of $350,000. Board Members have received background information regarding the recommendation as part of their Board packet for the meeting. Rather than itemizing details of the plan, I will indicate that the ALC staff will be involved in working through the options and details of the plan.
I will also present information at the Board Meeting indicating that Discovery is being looked at as the site for ABE, Early Childhood Program, Family Literacy, a “Sun School” concept, and restructuring plans (AYP) with a possible move of 6th graders to North. Community Education offices could either remain at McKinley or be moved to Roosevelt. This entire plan/process has involved extensive discussion, and I am extremely confident that this will work in the best interest of this district (we alway want to do what's best for all children in this district.
