Trustees to Be Briefed on Grant Applications

The school board Thursday backed off a proposal that called for it to approve applications for grant money.

However, the board reached a compromise, which will keep members informed when district staff applies for a grant.

Board President Michael Verrengia had proposed that trustees provide more oversight of grant applications, in part because he is skeptical of some funds that come with conditions, he said.

Verrengia suggested that the board approve applications before they are mailed.

However, nearly a dozen school principals, teachers and district staff members spoke against the plan Thursday, saying that board approval would severely impede a process most often performed under tight deadlines.

“My fear is that if we needed board approval, we risk being able to apply for [grants] in time,” said Rich Guinn, principal of L.P. Webber Elementary School. “We can’t afford to lose the opportunity for monies that might be available.”

Most of the board members said they were also concerned about deadlines.

“I don’t see physically how we can review every grant application in the district,” board member Sondra Rinker said. “But I do feel a little in the dark about these things, and we could be better informed.”

As a compromise, the board will now receive periodic reports from staff on applications that are being written, including conditions that might be required to accept the grant money.

Verrengia said he is pleased with the compromise.

“My idea was that there be more accountability,” he said. “My main concern was that we wouldn’t find out about a grant until we got it.”