SCHOOL BOARD WRAP-UP

The following is from the Sept. 11 meeting of the Laguna Beach Board of Education.

Utility savings to be transferred to reserve

Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Norma Shelton presented a report on the 2006-07 school year’s unaudited actuals.

“It was a very good year,” Shelton said.

More than $700,000 in funds was raised from one-time government grants and utility savings due to energy efficiency measures at the school sites.

Shelton proposed the funds be transferred into the district’s reserve, which is set to cover 2/3 of a school year’s operating budget by 2009.

This transfer is likely to allow the district to reach the goal this year, two years early, Superintendent Robert Fraisse said.

The board would then discuss over the next two years whether it will increase the reserve goal or keep it at 2/3 . Trustee El Hathaway suggested raising the reserve to one full school year.

Shelton’s proposal was approved on consent.

Facility improvements, rising enrollment noted

Several district representatives gave reports on the beginning of the year.

Multiple facilities improvements were made over the summer, including renovating the library at Top of the World Elementary; exterior painting; and construction of the new technology building at the district offices.

Enrollment as of Sept. 11 was 570 at El Morro, 580 at Top of the World, 668 at Thurston; and 1,057 at Laguna Beach High School.

The largest increase in students over projections was the first grade class at El Morro, which was up 25 students from projected numbers. Top of the World was up by 18 students.

Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Nancy Hubbell said the grade was most likely a “bubble” class, meaning one that is larger than others and is likely to remain as such throughout its 12 years in the district.

Trustee promotes reuse

Board member Ketta Brown purchased reusable water bottles for use at meetings. The board and staff formerly used single-use plastic water bottles.

— By Candice Baker