LISBON SCHOOLS Board discusses driver's ed

Wellsville schools have helped with the program in the past.
By SUE DROTLEFF
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
LISBON -- Lisbon school officials are looking to Wellsville to take over the district's driver education program.
Superintendent Charles McShane informed the board Monday night there is nobody in the district to teach the program. For several years, Lisbon has provided the classroom instruction and then contracted with Wellsville Schools for the in-car lab.
The program's overall cost for students was $100, with the school district paying an additional $49 a student for the program. Also, the district paid $360 a class for the instructor and about $1,000 a year in fuel costs for the Wellsville car.
McShane proposed that the entire program be turned over to Wellsville since it has certified instructors. Classroom space would be provided at Lisbon so students could continue to take the course at the high school. Wellsville has given an estimated cost of $172-175 a student for the program.
Subsidizing question: Board members questioned whether the district would continue to subsidize the cost of the driver's education or allow the entire costs to be passed on to the student.
Board member Wayne McDevitt pointed out the state used to reimburse schools $50 a student for driver's education, but that was discontinued a few years ago. Students would still earn a half credit for the class.
High school principal Don Thompson said the cost of private instruction was about $225-250 a student.
Board president Gene Gall then questioned whether the district could afford to subsidize the students at $50 each and have the remainder of $125 paid by the students, rather than make students responsible for the entire amount. Board members asked clerk Cynthia Altomare to get figures together for examination before deciding.
Also on agenda: In other matters, McShane outlined $56,216 worth of permanent improvements scheduled this summer at school buildings. At McKinley School, the cafeteria will have soundproofing materials installed to cut down on noise, and the parking lot will be patched.
At David Anderson Junior Senior High School, there will be improvements made in the gym, including thermostat controls and power added to the gym seating to enable sections of bleachers to be moved more easily.
Additionally, there will be roof repairs and patching in both parking lots. McShane said all work should be completed before the start of school Aug. 29.