Highlights of What is New in the Avon Board of Education Budget for 2011-12

For the convenience of our readers, Patch has compiled a breakdown of the main proposals based off slides the Avon Public Schools administration presented on Monday to the district's Parent Teacher Organizations and the public.

Curriculum and Instruction

What is new in the proposed budget? Why is it needed? 1.0 K-12 Language Arts/Library Coordinator Would impact favorable NEASC Accreditation and follow Tri-State recommendations. 0.8 Human Resources/Curriculum Assistant Would serve human resources function in the district and provide support to revising the curriculum and improving instruction. 0.5 SRBI Coordinator Would coordinate SRBI support for grades K-12 so that there is a consistency with interventions in all of Avon's schools.

Programs

What is new? Why is it needed? 1.0 Avon Middle School Music Teacher Regain past loss of a music director and revitalize the Avon Middle School music program. 0.2 Virtual High School Teacher The person would teach online classes that students could take as part of a proposed Virtual High School program. Coordinating Teacher Stipend A teacher would be given a stipend to also oversee athletics and activities in grades K-8.

Student Support Services

What is new? Why is it needed? 1.0 Avon High School Guidance Counselor There is a projected increase in enrollment and last year students applied to an average of 11 colleges. If the state passes ammendments to the high school reform bill, each student would have an individualized academic plan and there would be more curricular requirements. An extra staff member would provide additional support for the students and these initiatives. 1.0 Special Education Teacher American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding from the federal government expires in June, and an extra full-time special education teacher would provide additional support when that comes to pass. 0.8 Pre-K Teacher The district anticipates an increase in pre-kindergarten enrollment. 0.5 School Psychologist Would provide support to the disabled population at Roaring Brook School if a special education teacher is moved to Thompson Brook School. 0.5 ELL Tutor Increase in enrollment for English Language Learners. 0.5 Special Education Clerk Typist Was previously funded by ARRA money, which expires in June. Nurse Enrollment has increased, so additional support in nursing coverage is needed.

All slides from the Avon Public School administration's presentation on Monday are available on the district's website.