Schools May Change Way of Seeking Grants

Westminster School District trustees tonight will discuss a plan to change the way applications for grant money are handled.

The district staff now applies for grants and informs the board if money is to be received. But board President Michael Verrengia has proposed that the school board approve each grant application before it is mailed.

“The school board should be aware of what we’re applying for,” Verrengia said. “In most cases we don’t hear anything until staff says, ‘Hey, we got a grant.’ ”

Verrengia said he feels that the district has pursued too many grants that favored “a small section of the population,” such as those for bilingual education, and not enough for science and technology programs.

He said he is also skeptical of federal grants that have conditions attached. “I’m hesitant when you start taking restricted grants that are federal and state because that puts their hand in your pocket,” Verrengia said.

Similar proposals in the Orange Unified School District generated controversy last year. Conservative board members proposed banning the use of grants for school social and medical programs, but they backed off in the face of intense opposition.

That board, however, assumed the power to reject grant applications on a case-by-case basis.

Westminster board member Nancy L. Blumenthal questioned the wisdom of Verrengia’s plan, saying it would amount to “micromanagement.”

The board meets at 7 tonight at 14121 Cedarwood Ave.