The James Logan Courier

By Rick LaPlante, New Haven Schools Public Information Officer

The Board of Education on Tuesday night received information on the development of secondary programs for English learners, including a “spotlight on best practices” featuring Pioneer Elementary media specialist Paula Figdor’s program of differentiated instruction in reading and listening.

The Board also heard a report on development of the 2007-08 budget, including a review of programs that encroach on the general fund and an updated estimate of the cost reductions to be realized by the closing of Cabello Elementary. The updated estimate is $533,762 worth of savings to the general fund, plus $32,013 in salary savings related to food service, and $88,099 in salary savings related to Kids First.

The Board also:

● Approved a reduction in the Kids First classified workforce, related to the implementation of an all-day kindergarten pilot at Pioneer Elementary. The District and CSEA are cooperating on a restructuring plan designed to ensure that affected employees can be placed at another location to minimize adverse impacts.

● Recognized Pioneer Elementary fourth-grader Cherra Alagon and Alvarado Elementary fifth-grader Alyssa White, the District’s representatives in the Alameda County Spelling Bee.