More teen-parent families were served by Fulton Public Schools' Options Daycare program than in the prior two years, according to a report by program director Tia Neal.
Neal will be presenting a program update during Wednesday's board of education meeting at 7 p.m. at Fulton High School.
Neal said from 2017-18, Options Daycare served four teen families - up from three in 2016-17 and one in 2015-16. The program also provides childcare for FPS employees' children, assisting 28 families in 2017-18. Children visit stations for creative work, imaginative play and physical activity.
"The goal of Options Daycare is to provide a safe learning environment for children of teen parents and school employees," Neal stated in her report. "This assists teenage parents to complete their high school education."
The cost per child per day ranges from $20-$31, depending on the child's age. Neal said the district helps teen parents get funding help from Callaway County Family Support Division.
Tax levy ballot
Board members will also decide whether to approve the language of a ballot measure on increasing the operating tax levy.
Superintendent Jacque Cowherd said following an extensive discussion, the district is seeking an operating tax increase of $0.5798 per $100 of assessed valuation for 2018. Currently, the operating tax levy is $3.3250 per $100 of assessed valuation; if voters approve the measure, that amount would increase to $3.8948.
"The district's counsel and financial advisor have reviewed and approved ballot language for Proposition K," Cowherd said.
As it is currently written, the ballot cites the need for mental health professionals, staff retention, facility improvement and increased costs of other district operations as reasons for the increase.
If approved, FPS will have until May 29 to get the measure certified to appear on the Aug. 7 ballot.
The board will also hear a report about the school's BAC-PAC (before- and after-school childcare) program and the transportation program. There will also be a discussion on dates for summer school.
Assistant Superintendent Ty Crain will review the 2017 Annual Performance Report released by the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and discuss how it relates to curriculum.